Ai^' 


BV  176  .R527  1920 

Morning  readings 


MORNING      READINGS 

A    BOOK    OF    DEVOTIONAL    EXER- 
CISES FOR  COLLECTIVE  WORSHIP 


COMPILED    BY 
FRANK  M.  RICH 


'My  voice  shall  thou  hear  in  the  morning, 
O  Lord;  m  the  morning  will  I  direct  my 
prayer  unto  thee,  and   will  look   up." 


BOSTON 
RICHARD  G.  BADGER 

THE   GORHAM   PRESS 


Copyright,  1920,  by  Richard  G.  Badger 


All  Rights  Reserved 


The  Bible  text  used  in  this  volume,  unless 
otherwise  noted,  is  taken  from  the  Ameri- 
can Standard  Edition  of  the  Revised  Bible, 
Copyright,  1902,  by  Thomas  Nelson  & 
Sons,  and  is  used  by  permission 


Made  in  the  United  States  of  America 


The  Gorham  Press,  Boston,   U.  S.  A. 


TO  MY  MOTHER, 
ELLEN  THORP  RICH. 

WITH   GRATEFUL  APPRECIATION,   THIS 

BOOK   IS   AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATED 


^tJLESS  our  children,  0  God,  and  help  us  so  to  fash- 
?^ion  their  souls,  by  precept  and  by  example,  that  they 
shall  ever  love  the  good,  flee  from  sin,  revere  Thy  word, 
and  honor  Thy  name.  May  they,  planted  in  the  house 
of  the  Lord,  flourish  in  the  courts  of  our  God;  may  they 
guard  for  future  ages  the  truths  revealed  to  their  fore- 
fathers.— Amen. 

Jewish  Liturgy 


PREFACE 

/JflrORNING  READINGS  is  a  book  of  devotional  ex- 
/jTl^^ercises  for  collective  worship.  The  material  was 
first  prepared  for  use  in  my  own  school  with  a  view  to 
making  the  usual  five  minute  opening  service  of  the  morn- 
ing a  period  of  as  much  real  interest  and  value  to  the 
students  as  possible.  My  aim  was  to  furnish  a  year's 
course  of  carefully  selected  Scripture  readings — compris- 
ing those  passages  of  highest  ethical  and  literary  value 
that  are  universally  approved  and  admired — and,  with 
the  readings,  a  collection  of  prayers  from  famous  sources, 
harmonizing  with  the  Bible  selections  they  accompany, 
and  suitable  for  a  gathering  where  all  denominations  are 
represented. 

Naturally,  the  time  and  work  necessary  in  making  such 
a  collection  is  considerable,  far  more  than  the  average 
teacher  can  afford.  The  stock  of  available  material  for 
such  a  course  is  scanty,  and,  so  far  as  we  know,  nothing 
that  attempts  to  cover  the  same  ground  has  ever  been 
put  into  published  form.  The  hope  that  this  collection 
may  prove  useful  in  a  wider  field,  saving  the  time  of  the 
conductor,  avoiding  monotonous  repetition,  and  helping 
to  bring  to  many  the  beauty  and  inspiration  of  a  noble 
field  of  literature  has  led  to  its  publication. 

It  seems  almost  too  much  to  expect  that  all  fear  of 
school  interference  in  the  religious  training  of  youth  can 
be  put  at  rest;  but,  so  far  as  possible,  everything  that 

7 


8  Morning  Readings 

would  be  at  variance  with  the  tenets  of  any  denomination, 
Jewish,  Catholic  or  Protestant,  has  been  omitted,  and 
only  that  included  which  all  could  agree  was  true,  beau- 
tiful and  uplifting. 

The  readings  are  intended  primarily  for  the  more  ma- 
ture students  of  upper  grammar  and  high  school  age, 
and  yet  selected  passages  can  be  made  suitable  for 
younger  students  by  being  shortened.  The  usual  end- 
ings of  Christian  prayers,  wherever  they  occur,  have  been 
omitted  for  obvious  reasons,  and  their  insertion  left  to 
the  option  of  the  reader.  Prayers  in  the  singular  per- 
son have  been  made  plural.  Wherever  brevity,  unity,  or 
continuity  of  thought  have  made  it  advisable,  portions  of 
both  prayers  and  readings  have  been  omitted.  In  the 
Bible  passages,  the  King  James'  version  is  given  prefer- 
ence wherever  its  wording  seems  as  good  as  that  of  the 
others,  but  generally  the  American  revised  version  has 
been  used  as  preferable  from  the  standpoint  of  clear- 
ness and  euphony. 

Thanks  are  due  to  many  publishers  and  authors  for 
the  use  of  copyrighted  material,  to  the  compilers  of  other 
collections  of  prayers,  especially  to  Mrs.  Mary  W. 
Tileson  for  her  "Prayers — Ancient  and  Modern,"  and  to 
many  friends  who  have  contributed  valuable  time,  sug- 
gestions and  encouragement.  Thanks  are  also  due  the 
following : 

For  Lincoln's  Birthday. — From  The  Optimises  Good 
Morning  by  Florence  H.  Perin ;  copyright  1908  by  Little, 
Brown  &  Company ;  by  permission  of  the  author  and  pub- 
lishers. 

For  Washington's  Birthday. — Washington  s  Birthday 


Preface  9 

by    Oliver    Wendell    Holmes ;    copyright    by    Houghton, 
Mifflin  Company;  by  permission  of  the  publishers. 

For  The  Last  Day  of  School,  and  selections  68,  56. — 
From  Robert  Louis  Stevenson's  Prayers  Written  at 
Vailima;  copyright  by  Charles  Scribner's  Sons;  by  per- 
mission of  the  publishers. 

Selections  5,  8,  14,  15,  20,  26,  35,  48,  90,  95,  125,  146, 
152,  156,  172,  178,  187.— From  Dr.  James  Martineau's 
Home  Prayers  and  Service  Book;  copyright  by  Long- 
mans, Green  &  Company;  by  permission  of  executors  and 
publishers. 

Selections  116,  119,  158. — By  Horatio  Stebbins,  by 
permission  of  his  son. 

Selections  18,  61,  75,  88,  94,  112,  175.— From  Com- 
plete Daily  Prayers,  with  a  Revised  Translation,  accord- 
ing to  the  Custom  of  the  Ashkenasim;  copyright  by  The 
Hebrew  Publishing  Company;  by  permission  of  the  pub- 
lishers. 

If  the  work,  in  spite  of  its  faults  of  omission  and  com- 
mission, becomes  the  means  of  lightening  the  labors  of 
others  a  little,  of  acquainting  students  and  the  family 
circle  with  some  of  the  beauties  of  an  important,  but  neg- 
lected, field  of  literature,  or  of  inspiring  some  one  else  to 
compile  a  better  collection,  its  purpose  will  have  been  ac- 
complished, 

Frank  M.  Rich 


CONTENTS 

I.    SELECTIONS  FOR  SPECIAL  OCCASIONS 

PAGE 

Fob  the  First  Day  of  School 21 

For  THANKSGfviNG  Day 21 

Fob  Christmas  Day 23 

For  the  New  Yea-r 26 

Fob  Lincoln's  Birthday 28 

Fob  Washington's  Birthday 29 

For  the  Last  Day  of  School 31 

II.     NARRATIVES 

1.  The  Story  of  the  Creation 35 

2.  The  Creation  of  Man 37 

3.  The  Creation  of  Woman 88 

4.  The  Story  of  the  First  Sin 40 

5.  The  Story  of  the  First  Murder 42 

6.  Jacob's  Dream 43 

7.  Joseph  and  His  Brethren 45 

8.  Sold  into  Egypt 46 

9.  Pharaoh's  Dream 48 

10.  The  Interpretation 50 

11.  The  Famine 52 

12.  The  Meeting  in  Egypt 53 

13.  Joseph's  Brethren  Return 55 

14.  The  Second  Journey  to  Egypt 56 

15.  Joseph  Reveals  Himself 58 

16.  Joseph's  Father 61 

17.  Jacob's  Last  Days 62 

11 


12  Contents 


PAQB 

18.  Moses 64 

19.  DA\^D  AND  Goliath 66 

20.  David's  Victory 68 

21.  Saul's  Jealousy 70 

22.  How  David  Spared  His  Enemy 72 

23.  King  Solomon's  Dream 74 

24.  The  Handwriting  on  the  Wall 76 

25.  Daniel  Brought  to  Interpret 78 

26.  The  Interpretation  of  the  Writing 79 

27.  The  Conspiracy  Against  Daniel 82 

28.  The  Den  of  Lions 83 

29.  Daniel's  Deliverance 85 

III.    TEACHINGS  OF  MOSES  AND  THE  PROPHETS 

30.  The  Ten  Commandments 89 

31.  Sundry  Commandments 90 

32.  God  Hath  Showed  Us  His  Glory 92 

33.  Thou  Shalt  Teach  Them  to  Thy  Children 93 

34  Lest  Thou  Forget! 95 

35.  What  Doth  Thy  God  Require? 97 

36.  Jehovah's  Blessing 98 

37.  The  Two  Paths 100 

38.  Remember  Thy  Creator 101 

39.  Though  Your  Sins  Be  as  Scarlet 104 

40.  Isaiah's  Vision  of  the  Days  to  Come 105 

41.  Isal\h's  Warning  Against  Intemperance 106 

42.  The  Righteous  Judge 108 

43.  When  the  Outcasts  are  Recovered 109 

44.  The  Reproach  of  His  People  WrLL  He  Take  Away  .     .     .  110 

45.  The  Return  op  the  Ransomed 112 

46.  Good  Tidings  to  Zion 113 

47.  The  Triumph  of  Justice 115 

48.  Put  on  Thy  Strength,  O  Zion! 117 


Contents  13 


PAGE 

49.  Ho,  Evert  One  That  Thirsteth! 118 

50.  Then  Shall  Thy  Light  Rise  in  Darkness 120 

51.  Arise,  Shine;  for  Thy  Light  Is  Come 122 

52.  Isaiah's  Warning  to  the  Unfaithful 123 

53.  The  New  Covenant 125 

54.  Who  Beareth  the  Iniquity? 126 

55.  The  Watchman's  Message 128 

5Q.    The  Vision  of  Dry  Bones 130 

57.  We  Will  Walk  in  the  Name  of  Jehovah,  Our  God  .     .  131 

58.  The  True  Sacrifice 133 

59.  He  Will  Bring  Me  Forth  to  the  Light 134 

IV.    POETIC  WRITINGS 

60.  Song  of  Moses  and  Miriam 139 

61.  The  Song  of  Moses 140 

62.  David's  Psalm  of  Praise 142 

63.  David's  Psalm  of  Thanksgiving 144 

64.  Happy  Is  the  Man  Whom  God  Correcteth 146 

65.  Man  Is  Quick  to  Find  Material  Treasures;  Where  Shall 

He  Find  Wisdom? 148 

66.  The  First  Psalm 150 

67.  Give  Ear  to  My  Words,  O  Lord 151 

68.  How  Excellent  Is  Thy  Name 152 

69.  Thou  Sittest  in  the  Throne  Judging  Righteously     .     .  154 

70.  Thou  Wilt  Show  Me  the  Path  of  Life 155 

71.  Who  Shall  Abide  in  Thy  Tabernacle? 157 

72.  The  Heavens  Declare  the  Glory  of  God 158 

73.  Jehovah  Answer  Thee 160 

74.  The  Shepherd  Psalm 161 

75.  The  Earth  Is  Jehovah's 162 

76.  The  Lord  Is  My  Light  and  My  Salvation 164 

77.  Jehovah  Preserveth  the  Faithful 166 

78.  Rejoice  in  Jehovah,  O  Ye  Righteous 168 

79.  I  Will  Bless  Jehovah  at  All  Times 169 


14  Contents 


PAGE 

80.  Fret  Not  Thyself  Because  of  Evil-Doers 171 

81.  I  Waited  for  the  Lord 173 

82.  Send  Out  Thy  Light 174 

83.  God  Is  Our  Refuge 175 

84.  A  Prayer  for  Pardon 177 

85.  My  Soul,  Wait  Thou  in  Silence 178 

86.  In  the  Shadow  of  Thy  Wings 179 

87.  Praise  Waiteth  for  Thee,  O  God,  in  Zion 180 

88.  God  Be  Merciful 181 

89.  In  Thee  Do  I  Take  Refuge 183 

90.  Give  the  King  Thy  Judgments 184 

91.  Milton's  Translation  of  the  Eighty-Fourth  Psalm  ,     ,  186 

92.  Thou  Hast  Been  Favorable  Unto  Thy  Land    ....  189 

93.  Teach  Me  Thy  Way 190 

94.  Jehovah's  Realm 191 

95.  Psalm  of  the  Fleeting  Years 193 

96.  He  Is  My  Refuge 194 

97.  It  Is  a  Good  Thing  to  Give  Thanks 196 

98.  Jehovah  Reigneth 198 

99.  O  Come,  Let  Us  Worship 199 

100.  O  Sing  Unto  the  Lord  a  New  Song 200 

101.  Jehovah  Reigneth;  Let  the  Earth  Rejoice       ....  201 

102.  Make  a  Joyful  Noise,  All  the  Earth 202 

103.  The  One  Hundredth  Psalm 203 

104.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  My  Soul 204 

105.  How  Manifold  Are  Thy  Works 206 

106.  O  Give  Thanks,  for  He  Is  Good 208 

107.  Whoso  Is  Wise  Will  Give  Heed 209 

108.  The  Works  of  His  Hands  Are  Truth 211 

109.  Blessed  Is  the  Man  That  Feareth  the  Lord  ....  213 

110.  O  That  My  Ways  Were  Established  TO  Keep  Thy  Statutes  214 

111.  Teach  Me,  O  Jehovah 216 

112.  I  Will  Lift  Up  Mine  Eyes 217 


Contents  15 


PAQB 

113.  Our  Feet  Stood  Within  Thy  Gates 219 

114.  Israel's  Song  of  Deliverance 220 

115.  They  Are  as  Mount  Zion 221 

116.  Blessings  of  the  Righteous 222 

117.  Out  of  the  Depths 223 

118.  In  the  Day  That  I  Called  Thou  Answebedst  ....  225 

119.  O  Thou  Hast  Searched  Me  and  Known  Mb     ....  226 

120.  I  Will  Extol  Thee,  My  God.  O  King 228 

121.  Happy  Is  He  That  Hath  the  God  of  Jacob 229 

V.     PROVERBS 

122.  Jehovah  Giveth  Wisdom 233 

123.  The  Value  of  Wisdom .  234 

124.  Doth  Not  Wisdom  Cry? 236 

125.  Wisdom's  Dwelling 237 

126.  A  Page  of  Contrasts 239 

127.  Sundry  Proverbs 241 

128.  Sundry  Proverbs 242 

129.  Description  of  a  Worthy  Woman 243 

130.  A  Father's  Advice 246 

131.  The  Wise  and  the  Foolish 248 

132.  Treatment  of  the  Poor  and  the  Aged 249 

133.  Treatment  of  Enemies 251 

134.  The  Slothful 252 

135.  The  Use  of  Strong  Drink 253 

136.  Wisdom 255 

137.  Riches 256 

138.  The  Value  of  Discretion 257 

139.  The  Value  of  Kindliness 258 

VI.     DISCOURSES  AND   PARABLES  OF  JESUS 

140.  The  Sermon  on  the  Mount 263 

141.  The  New  Law .264 


16  Contents 


PAGE 

142.  The  Perfect  Prater 265 

143.  The  True  Treasure 267 

144.  The  Golden  Rule 268 

145.  Not  Every  One  That  Saith  Unto  Me,  Lord,  Lord     .      .  270 

146.  The  Parable  of  the  Sower 271 

147.  The  Goodly  Pearl 273 

148.  The  Parable  of  the  Tares 274 

149.  Who  Then  Is  Greatest  in  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven?        .      .  275 

150.  A  Lesson  in  Forgiveness 277 

151.  What  Good  Thing  Shall  I  Do? 278 

152.  The  Parable  of  the  Laborers 280 

153.  The  Discourse  in  the  Temple 281 

154.  The  Great  Commandment 283 

155.  The  Parable  of  the  Virgins 284 

156.  The  Parable  of  the  Talents 285 

157.  When  Saw  We  Thee  a  Stranger? 287 

158.  True  Greatness 289 

159.  Faithful  in  Little 290 

160.  The  Great  Commandment      .     .     ,k 291 

161.  Instructions  to  the  Seventy 292 

162.  The  Good  Samaritan 293 

163.  A  Discourse  to  the  Multitude 295 

164.  The  Parable  of  the  Rich  Man 296 

165.  Faith  and  the  Faithful 297. 

166.  A  Lesson  in  Humility 299 

167.  The  Slighted  Invitation 300 

168.  Saving  the  Lost 302 

169.  The  Prodigal  Son 304 

170.  The  Publican's  Prayer 305 

171.  The  Parable  of  the  Pounds 306 

172.  The  Living  W^ater 308 

173.  The  Example  of  Humility 309 

174.  The  Commandment  of  Love .311 


Contents  17 


VII.     LETTERS  AND  TEACHINGS  OF  THE  APOSTLES 

PAGE 

175.  Paul's  Sermon  on  Mars  Hill 315 

176.  The  Living  Sacrifice 316 

177.  The  Armor  of  Light 318 

178.  For  Another's  Sake 320 

17:9.     The  Bodily  Temple 321 

180.  The  Greatest  Thing  in  the  World 322 

181.  The  Final  Victory 324 

182.  The  Cheerful  Giver 326 

183.  Sowing  unto  the  Spirit 327 

184.  Paul's  Message  to  the  Ephesians 328 

185.  To  the  Ephesians — Continued 330 

186.  Paul's  Message  to  the  Philippians 332 

187.  The  Things  Which  Are  Above 333 

188.  True  Riches 334 

189.  Paul's  Charge  to  Timothy 336 

190.  Paul's  Message  to  Titus 337 

191.  From  the  Message  to  the  Hebrews 338 

192.  Temptation    .      .      .      .      » 339 

193.  Respect  of  Persons 341 

194.  The  Wisdom  from  Above 342 

195.  From  the  Letter  of  St.  Peter 344 

196.  Suffering  for  Righteousness'  Sake 346 

197.  The  Day  of  the  Lord 347 

198.  God  Is  Love 348 

199.  Brotherly  Love 349 

200.  The  New  Jerusalem 351 


I 

^tltctioni  j^ox  Special  ©ccasionsf 


iWorning  B^eabingji 

For  the  First  Day  of  School 
(Scripture  Reading  No.  136) 

(WLMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  Father,  who  hast 
*^^  brought  us  to  the  beginning  of  another  year,  grant  us 
so  to  remember  Thy  gifts,  and  so  to  acknowledge  Thy 
goodness,  as  that  every  year  and  day  which  Thou  shalt  yet 
grant  us,  may  be  employed  in  the  amendment  of  our 
lives,  and  in  the  diligent  discharge  of  such  duties  as  Thy 
Providence  shall  allot  us.  Grant  us,  by  Thy  Grace,  to 
know  and  to  do  what  Thou  requirest.  Give  us  good  de- 
sires, and  remove  those  impediments  which  may  hinder 
them  from  effect.  Forgive  us  our  sins,  negligences,  and 
ignorances,  and  when  at  last  Thou  shalt  call  us  to  an- 
other life,  receive  us  to  everlasting  happiness.     Amen. 

Samuel  Johnson  (1709-1784) 
For  Thanksgivrng  Day 

ll^NCE  more  the  liberal  year  laughs  out 
^^         O'er  richer  stores  than  gems  of  gold; 
Once  more  with  harvest  song  and  shout 
Is  nature's  boldest  triumph  told, 
21 


22  Mommg  Readmgs 

Our  common  mother  rests  and  sings 

Like  Ruth  among  her  garnered  sheaves ; 

Her  lap  is  full  of  goodly  things, 

Her  brow  is  bright  with  autumn  leaves. 

Oh,  favors  old,  yet  ever  new; 

Oh  blessings  with  the  sunshine  sent  I 
The  bounty  overruns  our  due, 

The  fullness  shames  our  discontent. 

We  shut  our  eyes,  the  bowers  bloom  on; 

We  murmur,  but  the  com  ears  fill; 
We  choose  the  shadow,  but  the  sun 

That  casts  it  shines  behind  us  still. 

And  gives  us,  with  our  rugged  soil, 
The  power  to  make  it  Eden  fair. 

And  richer  fruits  to  crown  our  toil. 
Than  summer-wedded  islands  bear* 

Who  murmurs  at  his  lot  to-day  ? 

Who  scorns  his  native  fruit  and  bloom, 
Or  sighs  for  dainties  far  away. 

Besides  the  bounteous  board  of  home? 

Thank  heaven,  instead,  that  freedom's  arm 
Can  change  a  rocky  soil  to  gold; 

That  brave  and  generous  lives  can  warm 
A  clime  with  northern  ices  cold. 

And  by  these  altars  wreathed  with  flowers, 
And  fields  with  fruits  awake  again 


Selections  for  Special  Occasions 


Thanksgiving  for  the  golden  hours, 
The  earlier  and  the  latter  rain. 

John  G.    Whit  tier 

(Scripture  Reading  No.  104) 
Most  gracious  God,  who  hast  been  infinitely  mer- 
ciful to  us,  not  only  in  the  year  past,  but  through 
all  the  years  of  our  life,  be  pleased  to  accept  our  most 
unfeigned  thanks  for  Thine  innumerable  blessings  to  us; 
graciously  pardoning  the  manifold  sins  and  infirmities 
of  our  life  past,  and  bountifully  bestowing  upon  us  all 
those  graces  and  virtues,  which  may  render  us  accept- 
able to  Thee.  And,  every  year  which  Thou  shalt  be 
pleased  to  add  to  our  lives,  add  also,  we  humbly  implore 
Thee,  more  strength  to  our  faith,  more  ardor  to  our  love, 
and  a  greater  perfection  to  our  obedience;  and  grant 
that,  in  a  humble  sincerity  and  constant  perseverance,  we 
may  serve  Thee  most  faithfully  the  remainder  of  our 
lives. — Amen. 

Charles  How  (1661-1745) 


For  Christmas  Day 

Keeping  C!)ti0tma0 

3T  is  a  good  thing  to  observe  Christmas  day.  The 
mere  marking  of  times  and  seasons  when  men  stop 
work  and  make  merry  together,  is  a  wise  and  wholesome 
custom.     It  helps  one  to  feel  the  supremac}^  of  the  com- 

*  From  The  Spirit  of  Christmas;  copyright,  1905,  by  Charles  Scrib- 
ner's  Sons.    By  permission  of  the  Publishers. 


24  Morning  Ueadmgs 

mon  life  over  the  individual  life.  It  reminds  a  man  to 
set  his  own  little  watch,  now  and  then,  by  the  great  clock 
of  humanity  which  runs  on  sun  time. 

But  there  is  a  better  thing  than  the  observance  of 
Christmas  day,  and  that  is,  keeping  Christmas. 

Are  you  willing  to  forget  what  you  have  done  for 
other  people,  and  to  remember  what  other  people  have 
done  for  you ;  to  ignore  what  the  world  owes  you,  and 
to  think  what  you  owe  the  world;  to  put  your  rights  in 
the  background,  and  your  duties  in  the  middle  distance, 
and  your  chances  to  do  a  little  more  than  your  duty  in 
the  foreground;  to  see  that  your  fellow  men  are  just  as 
real  as  you  are,  and  try  to  look  behind  their  faces  to 
their  hearts,  hungry  for  joy;  to  own  that  probably  the 
only  good  reason  for  your  existence  is  not  what  you  are 
going  to  get  out  of  life,  but  what  you  are  going  to  give  to 
life;  to  close  your  book  of  complaints  against  the  man- 
agement of  the  universe,  and  look  around  you  for  a  place 
where  you  can  sow  a  few  seeds  of  happiness — are  you 
willing  to  do  these  things  even  for  a  day  ?  Then  you  can 
keep  Christmas. 

Are  you  willing  to  stoop  down  and  consider  the  needs 
and  desires  of  little  children;  to  remember  the  weakness 
and  loneliness  of  people  who  are  growing  old;  to  stop 
asking  how  much  your  friends  love  you,  and  ask  yourself 
whether  you  love  them  enough ;  to  bear  in  mind  the  things 
that  other  people  have  to  bear  in  their  hearts ;  to  try  to 
understand  what  those  who  live  in  the  same  house  with 
you  really  want,  without  waiting  for  them  to  tell  you; 
to  trim  your  lamp  so  that  it  will  give  more  light  and  less 
smoke,  and  to  carry  it  in  front  so  that  your  shadow  will 


Selections  for  Special  Occasions  25 

fall  behind  you ;  to  make  a  grave  for  your  ugly  thoughts 
and  a  garden  for  your  kindly  feelings,  with  the  gate  open 
— are  you  willing  to  do  these  things  even  for  a  day? 
Then  you  can  keep  Christmas. 

Are  you  willing  to  believe  that  love  is  the  strongest 
thing  in  the  world — stronger  than  hate,  stronger  than 
evil,  stronger  than  death — and  that  the  blessed  life  which 
began  in  Bethlehem  nineteen  hundred  years  ago  is  the 
image  and  brightness  of  the  Eternal  Love?  Then  you 
can  keep  Christmas. 

And  if  you  keep  it  for  a  day,  why  not  always? 

But  you  can  never  keep  it  alone. 

Henry  Van  Dyke 

The  day  of  joy  returns,  Father  in  Heaven,  and  crowns 
another  year  with  peace  and  good-will.  Help  us  rightly 
to  remember  the  Birth  of  Jesus,  that  we  may  share  the 
song  of  the  angels,  the  gladness  of  the  shepherds,  the 
worship  of  the  wise  men. 

Deliver  us  from  evil,  by  the  blessing  that  Christ  brings, 
and  teach  us  to  be  merry  with  a  clean  heart.  Let  kind- 
ness come  with  every  gift  and  good  desires  with  every 
greeting.  Close  the  doors  of  hate,  and  open  the  doors 
of  love,  all  over  the  world. 

May  the  Christmas  morning  make  us  happy  to  be  thy 
children,  and  the  Christmas  evening  bring  us  to  our  beds 
with  grateful  thoughts,  forgiving  and  forgiven. — Amen. 

Henry  Van  Dyke 


26  Morning  Readings 

For  the  New  Year 

mns  sDuu  mm  istmi 

^|\  ING  out,  wild  bells,  to  the  wild  sky, 
^*^    The  flying  cloud,  the  frosty  light: 

The  year  is  dying  in  the  night ; 
Ring  out,  wild  bells,  and  let  him  die. 

Ring  out  the  old,  ring  in  the  new. 
Ring,  happy  bells,  across  the  snow: 
The  year  is  going,  let  him  go; 

Ring  out  the  false,  ring  in  the  true. 

Ring  out  the  grief  that  saps  the  mind. 
For  those  that  here  we  see  no  more; 
Ring  out  the  feud  of  rich  and  poor; 

Ring  in  redress  to  all  mankind. 

Ring  out  the  slowly  dying  cause, 
And  ancient  forms  of  party  strife; 
Ring  in  the  nobler  modes  of  life, 

With  sweeter  manners,  purer  laws. 

Ring  out  the  want,  the  care,  the  sin, 
The  faithless  coldness  of  the  times; 
Ring  out,  ring  out  my  mournful  rhymes, 

But  ring  the  fuller  minstrel  in. 

Ring  out  false  pride  in  place  and  blood. 
The  civic  slander  and  the  spite; 


Selections  for  Special  Occasions  27 

Ring  in  the  love  of  truth  and  right, 
Ring  in  the  common  love  of  good. 

Ring  out  old  shapes  of  foul  disease; 

Ring  out  the  narrowing  lust  of  gold; 

Ring  out  the  thousand  wars  of  old, 
Ring  in  the  thousand  years  of  peace. 

Ring  in  the  valiant  man  and  free, 

The  larger  heart,  the  kindlier  hand; 
Ring  out  the  darkness  of  the  land. 

Ring  in  the  Christ  that  is  to  be. 

Alfred  Termyson, 

(Scripture  Reading  No.  95) 
O  God,  the  unfailing  source  of  light  and  mercy,  who 
hast  brought  us  to  the  beginning  of  this  year,  and  art 
sparing  us  to  love  thee  and  to  keep  thy  commandments; 
give  us,  we  beseech  thee,  a  solemn  sense  of  the  importance 
of  time,  and  of  diligence  in  improving  the  talents  thou 
hast  placed  in  our  hands;  and  enable  us  so  faithfully  to 
discharge  o  r  duty  in  this  life,  that  when  we  shall  appear 
before  thee  at  thy  great  tribunal,  we  may  be  found 
worthy  of  that  eternal  kingdom  which  thou  hast  prom- 
ised.— ^Amen. 

King^s  Chapel  Liturgy  (1785) 


28  Mommg  Readings 

For  Lincoln's  Birthday 

Co  tfte  9@emotg  of  asrabam  Lincoln 

A^  SLOW  to  smite  and  swift  to  spare, 
^^ ,    Gentle   and  merciful   and  just! 
Who,  in  the  fear  of  God,  didst  bear 

The  sword  of  power — a  nation's  trust. 

In  sorrow  by  thy  bier  we  stand, 

Amid  the  awe  that  hushes  all, 
And  speak  the  anguish  of  a  land 

That  shook  with  horror  at  thy  fall. 

Thy  task  is  done — the  bond  are  free; 

We  bear  thee  to  an  honored  grave. 
Whose  noblest  monument   shall  be 

The  broken  fetters  of  the  slave. 

Pure  was  thy  life;  its  bJoody  close 

Hath  placed  thee  with  the  sons  of  light, 

Among  the  noble  host  of  those 

Who  perished  in  the  cause  of  right. 

William  Cullen  Bryant  (1865) 

(Scripture  Reading  No.  90) 

Almighty  Father,  we  thank  Thee  today  for  the  gracious 
memory  of  Thy  servant  who  lived  and  died  for  the  sake 
of  a  free  and  united  nation.  We  thank  Thee  more  that 
we  have  his  life  inwrought  into  the  very  fabric  of  the  life 
of  the  nation.     We  had  in  him  "a  hiding  place  from  the 


Selections  for  Special  Occasions  29 

Mdnd  and  a  covert  from  the  tempest,  a  river  of  water  in 
a  dry  place  and  the  shadow  of  a  great  rock  in  a  weary 
land."  We  gratefully  join  in  praise  with  the  thousands 
who  found  help  and  cheer  in  the  shadow  of  his  strength. 
And  now  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  help  us  in  some  small 
way  this  day  to  be  a  helper  to  the  helpless,  a  friend  to 
the  needy,  sunshine  to  those  whose  day  will  be  gray  and 
gloomy,  the  shadow  of  a  great  rock  to  those  who  are 
buffeted  by  the  world's  storms.  Thus  shall  we  prove  our 
gratitude  to  Thee  for  the  gift  of  Thy  servant  whom  we 
honor  today,  and  thus  shall  we  honor  Thee. — ^Amen. 

Avery  A,  Shaw 


For  Washington's  Birthday 

caa0j)mgton'0  IBirtftDap  "* 

MELCOME  to  the  day  returning, 
Dearer  as  the  ages  flow, 
While  the  torch  of  Faith  is  burning, 

Long  as  Freedom's  altars  glow! 
See  the  hero  whom  it  gave  us 

Slumbering  on  a  mother's  breast ; 
For  the  arm  he  stretched  to  save  us 
Be  its  mom  forever  blest ! 

Vain  is  empire's  mad  temptation! 

Not  for  him  an  earthly  crown ! 
He  whose  sword  has  freed  a  nation 

Strikes  the  offered  sceptre  down. 


30  Mommg  Readings 

See  the  throneless  conqueror  seated, 

Ruler  by  a  people's  choice; 
See  the  patriot's  task  completed; 

Hear  the  Father's  dying  voice: 

**By  the  name  that  you  inherit, 

By  the  sufferings  you  recall, 
Cherish  the  fraternal  spirit; 

Love  your  country  first  of  all! 
Listen  not  to  idle  questions 

If  its  bands  may  be  untied; 
Doubt  the  patriot  whose  suggestions 

Strive  a  nation  to  divide." 

Father!  we,  whose  ears  have  tingled 

With  the  discord  notes  of  shame; 
We,  whose  sires  their  blood  have  mingled 

In  the  battle's  thunder-flame, — 
Gathering,  while  this  holy  morning 

Lights  the  land  from  sea  to  sea. 
Hear  thy  counsel,  heed  thy  warning; 

Trust  us  while  we  honor  thee. 

Oliver  Wendell  Holmes 

(Scripture  Reading  No.  78) 

Father  of  life,  we  thank  Thee  that  Thou  hast  been  with 
the  Fathers,  that  Thou  hast  been  with  him  whose  birth 
this  day  we  celebrate.  Thou  wert  willing  to  speak  to 
them  and  they  were  willing  to  hear  Thee  and  to  answer 
Thee,  "Lo,  here  am  I,  send  me." 

We  thank  Thee  that  the  memory  of  these  men  has 


Selections  for  Special  Occasions  31 

come  down  to  us;  of  him  who  was  first  in  peace,  first  in 
war  and  first  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen;  and  we 
ask  Thee  that  Thou  wilt  be  with  our  countrymen  today, 
and  with  us  who  are  here;  that  Thou  wilt  teach  us  Thy 
law,  that  we  may  walk  in  Thy  ways ;  that  this  may  be  that 
happy  nation  whose  God  is  the  Lord. — Amen. 

Edward  Everett  Hale 

For  the  Last  Day  of  School 

(Scripture  Reading  No.  186) 
Today  we  go  forth  separate,  some  of  us  to  pleasure, 
some  of  us  to  worship,  some  upon  duty.  Go  with  us, 
our  guide  and  angel ;  hold  Thou  before  us  in  our  divided 
paths  the  mark  of  our  low  calling,  still  to  be  true  to  what 
small  best  we  can  attain  to.  Help  us  in  that,  our  maker, 
the  dispenser  of  events — Thou,  of  the  vast  designs,  in 
which  we  blindly  labor,  suffer  us  to  be  so  far  constant  to 
ourselves  and  our  beloved. — Amen. 

Robert  Louis  Stevenson  (1850-1894!) 


II 


Cfie  ©totp  of  tfte  Creation 

3N  the  beginning  God  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth. 
And  the  earth  was  waste  and  void;  and  darkness  was 
upon  the  face  of  the  deep:  and  the  Spirit  of  God  moved 
upon  the  face  of  the  waters.  And  God  said,  Let  there 
be  light :  and  there  was  hght. 

And  God  said,  Let  there  be  a  firmament  In  the  midst 
of  the  waters,  and  let  it  divide  the  waters  from  the  waters. 

Let  the  waters  under  the  heavens  be  gathered  together 
unto  one  place,  and  let  the  dry  land  appear:  and  it 
was  so. 

And  God  said.  Let  the  earth  put  forth  grass,  herbs 
yielding  seed,  and  fruit-trees  bearing  fruit  after  their 
kind,  wherein  is  the  seed  thereof,  upon  the  earth:  and  it 
was  so.  And  the  earth  brought  forth  grass,  herbs  yield- 
ing seed  after  their  kind,  and  trees  bearing  fruit,  wherein 
is  the  seed  thereof,  after  their  kind:  and  God  saw  that 
it  was  good. 

And  God  said.  Let  there  be  lights  in  the  jfirmament  of 
heaven  to  divide  the  day  from  the  night;  and  let  them 
be  for  signs,  and  fcfr  seasons,  and  for  days  and  years: 
and  let  them  be  for  lights  in  the  firmament  of  heaven  to 
give  light  upon  the  earth :  and  it  was  so.  And  God  made 
the  two  great  lights;  the  greater  light  to  rule  the  day, 
and  the  lesser  light  to  rule  the  night:  he  made  the  stars 

,36 


S6  Mommg  Readvngs 

also.     And  God  set  them  in  the  firmament  of  heaven  to 
give  light  upon  the  earth. 

And  God  said,  Let  the  waters  swarm  with  swarms  of 
living  creatures,  and  let  birds  fly  above  the  earth  in  the 
open  firmament  of  heaven.  And  God  created  the  great 
sea-monsters,  and  every  living  creature  that  moveth, 
wherewith  the  waters  swarmed,  after  their  kind,  and  every 
winged  bird  after  its  kind :  and  God  saw  that  it  was  good. 
And  God  blessed  them,  saying,  Be  fruitful,  and  multi- 
ply, and  fill  the  waters  in  the  seas,  and  let  birds  multiply 
on  the  earth. 

And  God  said.  Let  the  earth  bring  forth  living  crea- 
tures after  their  kind,  cattle,  and  creeping  things,  and 
beasts  of  the  earth  after  their  kind:  and  it  was  so. 

And  God  made  the  beasts  of  the  earth  after  their  kind, 
and  the  cattle  after  their  kind,  and  everything  that  creep- 
eth  upon  the  ground  after  its  kind:  and  God  saw  that  it 
was  good. 

Genesis  I'lS,  6,  9,  11,  12,  14-17,  20-22,  24,  25 

O  Lord,  Thou  through  Thine  operations  didst  make 
manifest  the  everlasting  fabric  of  the  world.  Thou, 
Lord,  didst  create  the  earth.  Thou  art  faithful  through- 
out all  generations,  righteous  in  all  thy  judgments,  mar- 
vellous in  strength  and  excellence.  Thou  that  art  wise 
in  creating  and  prudent  in  establishing  that  which  thou 
hast  made,  that  art  good  in  the  things  which  are  seen, 
and  faithful  with  them  that  trust  on  thee,  pitiful  and 
compassionate,  forgive  us  our  iniquities  and  our  un- 
righteousness, and  our  transgressions  and  shortcomings. 
Lay  not  to  our  account  every  sin  of  thy  servants  and  of 


Narratives  37 


thy  handmaids,  but  cleanse  us  with  the  cleansing  of  thy 
truth,  and  guide  our  steps  to  walk  in  holiness,  and 
righteousness  and  singleness  of  heart,  and  to  do  such 
things  as  are  good  and  well  pleasing  in  thy  sight.  Yea, 
Lord,  make  thy  face  to  shine  upon  us  in  peace  for  our 
good,  that  we  may  be  sheltered  by  thy  right  hand,  and 
delivered  from  every  sin  by  thine  uplifted  arm. — Amen. 
From  the  First  Epistle  of  St.  Clement  of  Rome — Chap, 
60 — First  Centiiry,  A,  D. 

Cfie  Creation  of  Q^m 

^WND  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after 
<^^our  likeness:  and  let  them  have  dominion  over  the  fish 
of  the  sea,  and  over  the  birds  of  the  heavens,  and  over 
the  cattle,  and  over  all  the  earth,  and  over  every  creeping 
thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth.  And  God  created 
man  in  his  own  image,  in  the  image  of  God  created  he 
him;  male  and  female  created  he  them.  And  God 
blessed  them:  and  God  said  unto  them.  Be  fruitful,  and 
multiply,  and  replenish  the  earth,  and  subdue  it ;  and  have 
dominion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  birds  of 
the  heavens,  and  over  every  living  thing  that  moveth  upon 
the  earth.  And  God  said,  Behold,  I  have  given  you  every 
herb  yielding  seed,  which  is  upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth, 
and  every  tree,  in  which  is  the  fruit  of  a  tree  yielding 
seed;  to  you  it  shall  be  for  food:  and  to  every  beast  of 
the  earth,  and  to  every  bird  of  the  heavens,  and  to  every- 
thing that  creepeth  upon  the  earth,  wherein  there  is  life, 


38  Morning  Readings 

I  have  given  every  green  herb  for  food:  and  it  was  so. 
And  God  saw  everything  that  he  had  made,  and,  behold, 
it  was  very  good.  And  there  was  evening  and  there  was 
morning,  the  sixth  day. 

Genesis  1 :26-31 

Father,  we  thank  Thee  for  this  human  world  which 
Thou  hast  created.  We  bless  Thee  for  the  glorious  na- 
ture which  Thou  hast  given  us,  above  the  material  things 
and  above  the  beasts  which  feed  thereon,  which  Thou 
hast  made  also  subservient  unto  us.  We  thank  Thee  for 
the  vast  talents,  so  various  and  so  fair,  which  Thou  hast 
lodged  in  these  earthen  vessels*  of  our  bodies.  We  bless 
Thee  for  our  vast  capacity  for  improvement  in  every 
noblest  thing,  and  that  Thou  hast  so  made  the  world,  that 
while  we  seek  the  daily  bread  for  our  body  which  perishes 
in  the  using,  we  gain  also  by  Thy  sweet  providence  that 
bread  of  life  which  groweth  not  old,  and  strengthens  our 
soul  forever  and  ever. — Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 


tUbt  Creation  of  momm 

^WND  the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  finished,  and  all 
<^^the  host  of  them.  And  on  the  seventh  day  God  fin- 
ished his  work  which  he  had  made ;  and  he  rested  on  the 
seventh  day  from  all  his  work  which  he  had  made.  And 
God  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  hallowed  it;  because 
that  in  it  he  rested  from  all  his  work  which  God  had  cre- 
ated and  made. 


Narratives  39 


And  Jehovah  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  the 
ground,  and  breathed  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life; 
and  man  became  a  living  soul.  And  Jehovah  God 
planted  a  garden  eastward,  in  Eden ;  and  there  he  put 
the  man  whom  he  had  formed.  And  out  of  the  ground 
made  Jehovah  God  to  grow  every  tree  that  is  pleasant 
to  the  sight,  and  good  for  food;  the  tree  of  life  also  in 
the  midst  of  the  garden,  and  the  tree  of  the  knowledge 
of  good  and  evil. 

And  Jehovah  God  commanded  the  man,  saying.  Of 
every  tree  of  the  garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat :  but  of 
the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not 
eat  of  it:  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou 
shalt  surely  die. 

And  Jehovah  God  said.  It  is  not  good  that  the  man 
should  be  .alone ;  I  will  make  him  a  help  meet  for  him. 
And  Jehovah  God  caused  a  deep  sleep  to  fall  upon  the 
man,  and  he  slept ;  and  he  took  one  of  his  ribs,  and 
closed  up  the  flesh  instead  thereof:  and  the  rib,  which 
Jehovah  God  had  taken  from  the  man,  made  he  a  woman, 
and  brought  her  unto  the  man.  And  the  man  said.  This 
is  now  bone  of  my  bones,  and  flesh  of  my  flesh:  she  shall 
be  called  Woman,  because  she  was  taken  out  of  Man. 
Therefore  shall  a  man  leave  his  father  and  his  mother, 
and  shall  cleave  unto  his  wife :  and  they  shall  be  one  flesh. 

Genesis  2  :l-3,  7-9,  16-8,  21-24 

Infinite  and  Holy  One,  whom  we  know  as  our  Father, 
we  devoutly  thank  Thee  for  the  mercy  that  created  us 
from  the  dust,  and  for  the  greater  mercy  that  has  cre- 
ated us  anew  by  a  heavenly  adoption  as  Thy  children. 


40  Morning  Readings 

For  the  undying  yearnings,  which  Thou  hast  implanted 
in  us,  after  things  unseen, — for  their  satisfaction  in  Thy- 
self, we  thank  Thee;  and  we  rejoice  that  Thou  hast  been 
willing  to  encourage  our  frail  and  mortal  spirits,  by 
revealing  to  us  something  of  the  perfections  of  Thy  na- 
ture, and  calling  us  to  follow  after  Thee.  Grant,  we 
pray,  that  Thy  loving-kindness  may  be  followed  by  our 
obedience.  And  do  Thou  so  confirm  our  best  purposes 
by  renewing  our  sense  of  Thy  presence,  that  we  may 
both  imitate  Thy  nature,  and  accept  Thy  dealings  with 
us  in  the  spirit  of  childlike  trust. — ^Amen. 

Henry  W.  Foote  (1838-1889) 

Cfte  ®totp  of  tht  JFim  ©in 

^tNOW  the  serpent  was  more  subtle  than  any  beast  of 
.3r/^ihe  field  which  Jehovah  God  had  made.  And  he  said 
unto  the  woman.  Yea,  hath  God  said.  Ye  shall  not  eat  of 
any  tree  of  the  garden?  And  the  woman  said  unto  the 
serpent,  Of  the  fruit  of  the  trees  of  the  garden  we  may 
eat :  but  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  garden,  God  hath  said.  Ye  shall  not  eat  of  it,  neither 
shall  ye  touch  it,  lest  ye  die.  And  the  serpent  said  unto 
the  woman.  Ye  shall  not  surely  die:  for  God  doth  know 
that  in  the  day  ye  eat  thereof,  then  your  eyes  shall  be 
opened,  and  ye  shall  be  as  God,  knowing  good  and  evil. 
And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the  tree  was  good  for 
food,  and  that  it  was  a  delight  to  the  eyes,  and  that  the 
tree  was  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise,  she  took  of  the 


Narratives  41 


fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat:  and  she  gave  also  unto  her 
husband  with  her,  and  he  did  eat. 

And  they  heard  the  voice  of  Jehovah  God  walking  in 
the  garden  in  the  cool  of  the  day:  and  the  man  and  his 
wife  hid  themselves  from  the  presence  of  Jehovah  God 
amongst  the  trees  of  the  garden. 

And  Jehovah  God  called  unto  the  man,  and  said  unto 
him,  Hast  thou  eaten  of  the  tree,  whereof  I  commanded 
thee  that  thou  shouldest  not  eat?  And  the  man  said, 
The  woman  whom  thou  gavest  to  be  with  me,  she  gave  me 
of  the  tree,  and  I  did  eat.  And  unto  Adam  he  said.  Be- 
cause thou  hast  hearkened  unto  the  voice  of  thy  wife, 
and  hast  eaten  of  the  tree,  of  which  I  commanded  thee, 
saying.  Thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it:  cursed  is  the  ground 
for  thy  sake;  in  toil  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the  days  of 
thy  life;  thorns  also  and  thistles  shall  it  bring  forth  to 
thee ;  and  thou  shalt  eat  the  herb  of  the  field ;  in  the  sweat 
of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  bread,  till  thou  return  unto 
the  ground ;  for  out  of  it  wast  thou  taken :  for  dust  thou 
art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return. 

Genesis  3:1-6,  8,  9,  11,  IS,  17-19 

O  God,  in  whose  sight  to  sin  is  to  die,  but  in  whose 
knowledge  is  life,  and  Thy  service  perfect  freedom,  grant 
that  as  by  necessity  of  nature  we  have  borne  the  likeness 
of  things  earthly,  so  by  inward  transformation  of  Thy 
Spirit  we  may  attain  to  things  heavenly,  and  dwell  in  Thy 
likeness  forever. — Amen. 

Rowland  WUliams  (1817-1870) 


42  Morning  Readmgs 

5 

Cfte  Storp  of  tfte  JFim  Q^urDet 

(WND  in  process  of  time  it  came  to  pass,  that  Cain 
^*^brought  of  the  fruit  of  the  ground  an  offering  unto 
Jehovah.  And  Abel,  he  also  brought  of  the  firstlings 
of  his  flock  and  of  the  fat  thereof.  And  Jehovah  had 
respect  unto  Abel  and  to  his  offering:  but  unto  Cain  and 
to  his  offering  he  had  not  respect.  And  Cain  was  very 
wroth,  and  his  countenance  fell.  And  Jehovah  said  unto 
Cain,  Why  art  thou  wroth?  and  why  is  thy  countenance 
fallen?  If  thou  doest  well,  shall  it  not  be  lifted  up?  and 
if  thou  doest  not  well,  sin  coucheth  at  the  door;  and  unto 
thee  shall  be  its  desire;  but  do  thou  rule  over  it.  And 
Cain  told  Abel  his  brother.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when 
they  were  in  the  field,  that  Cain  rose  up  against  Abel 
his  brother,  and  slew  him. 

And  Jehovah  said  unto  Cain,  Where  is  Abel  thy 
brother?  And  he  said,  I  know  not:  am  I  my  brother's 
keeper?  And  he  said.  What  hast  thou  done?  the  voice 
of  thy  brother's  blood  crieth  unto  me  from  the  ground. 
And  now  cursed  art  thou  from  the  ground,  which  hath 
opened  its  mouth  to  receive  thy  brother's  blood  from  thy 
hand ;  when  thou  tillest  the  ground,  it  shall  not  henceforth 
yield  unto  thee  its  strength;  a  fugitive  and  a  wanderer 
shalt  thou  be  in  the  earth.  And  Cain  said  unto  Jehovah, 
My  punishment  is  greater  than  I  can  bear.  Behold,  thou 
hast  driven  me  out  this  day  from  the  face  of  the  ground ; 
and  from  thy  face  shall  I  be  hid;  and  I  shall  be  a  fugi- 
tive and  a  wanderer  in  the  earth;  and  it  will  come  to 


Narratives  43 


pass,  that  whosoever  findeth  me  will  slay  me.  And  Je- 
hovah said  unto  him,  Therefore  whosoever  slayeth  Cain, 
vengeance  shall  be  taken  on  him  sevenfold.  And  Jehovah 
appointed  a  sign  for  Cain,  lest  any  finding  him  should* 
smite  him. 

Genesis   4:3-15 

Father  of  men,  who  regardest  Thy  children  with  com- 
passion !  behold  this  earth,  which  Thou  hast  given  to  our 
care,  hath  many  griefs,  and  is  sad  "vvith  a  weight  of  many 
sins.  Keep  us  pure  from  the  evil,  and  make  us  strong  to 
contend  against  it.  Let  us  not  shut  our  hearts  against 
pity,  0  Thou  All-merciful!  but  seek  to  heal  the  wounds 
with  which  our  fellowmen  lie  stricken  on  the  way.  May 
we  make  no  peace  with  oppression;  but,  amid  the  negli- 
gence of  the  world  and  the  seductions  of  guilty  customs, 
put  into  us  the  spirit  of  the  holy  prophets  and  martyrs 
of  old.  Yet,  O  Lord,  may  it  be  that  we  sin  not  in  our 
anger.  Lift  up  within  us  a  meek  aspiring  mind,  that  we 
may  never  say  to  our  brother — "I  am  holier  than  thou," 
but  only  ask  of  Thee — "God,  be  merciful  to  me  a  sin- 
ner !"  So  may  we  labor  and  watch  and  pray  for  the  com- 
ing of  Thy  kingdom. — ^Amen. 

James  Martineau  (1805-1900) 

6 

3faco6'0  Dream 

(^ND  Jacob  went  out  from  Beersheba,  and  went  toward 
^^^Haran.  And  he  lighted  upon  a  certain  place,  and 
tarried  there  all  night,  because  the  sun  was  set;  and  he 


44  Morning  Readings 

took  one  of  the  stones  of  the  place,  and  put  it  under  his 
head,  and  lay  down  in  that  place  to  sleep.  And  he 
dreamed;  and,  behold,  a  ladder  set  up  on  the  earth,  and 
the  top  of  it  reached  to  heaven;  and,  behold,  the  angels 
of  God  ascending  and  descending  on  it.  And,  behold, 
Jehovah  stood  above  it,  and  said,  I  am  Jehovah,  the 
God  of  Abraham  thy  father,  and  the  God  of  Isaac:  the 
land  whereon  thou  liest,  to  thee  will  I  give  it,  and  to  thy 
seed ;  and  thy  seed  shall  be  as  the  dust  of  the  earth,  and 
thou  shalt  spread  abroad  to  the  west,  and  to  the  east, 
and  to  the  north,  and  to  the  south:  and  in  thee  and  in 
thy  seed  shall  all  the  families  of  the  earth  be  blessed. 
And,  behold,  I  am  with  thee,  and  will  keep  thee  whitherso- 
ever thou  goest,  and  will  bring  thee  again  into  this  land ; 
for  I  will  not  leave  thee,  until  I  have  done  that  which  I 
have  spoken  to  thee  of.  And  Jacob  awaked  out  of  his 
sleep,  and  he  said.  Surely  Jehovah  is  in  this  place;  and 
I  knew  it  not.  And  he  was  afraid,  and  said.  How  dread- 
ful is  this  place !  this  is  none  other  than  the  house  of  God, 
and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 

Genesis  28:10-17 

When  we  are  awake,  we  are  still  with  Thee,  O  God 
most  merciful,  and  Thy  hand  is  over  us  for  good.  Be 
Thou  the  Desire  of  our  hearts,  and  the  Ruler  of  our 
thoughts.  O  heavenly  Father,  we  need  Thy  love  and 
Thy  calm  breath  shed  abroad  in  our  souls  to  be  a  foun- 
tain of  strength;  we  know  not  without  Thee  what  may 
befall  us  this  day,  either  of  peril,  or  of  temptation,  or 
of  sorrow.  But  Thou  canst  put  a  guard  about  our  path, 
and  canst  fence  all  our  senses  from  temptation  by  sober- 


Narratives  45 


ing  them  with  Thy  holy  fear.  Give  us,  then,  we  pray 
Thee,  a  right  sense  of  duty,  to  shield  us  in  all  conflict, 
and  guard  us  against  sin  and  death.  Lead  us  not  into 
temptation;  or,  when  we  are  tempted,  deliver  us  by  hum- 
ble watchfulness  from  all  power  of  evil. — Amen. 

Rowland  Williams  (1817-1870) 

7 

3fo0ep!)  anD  ^i%  IStetftren 

^4^0W  Israel  loved  Joseph  more  than  all  his  children, 
/3^because  he  was  the  son  of  his  old  age:  and  he  made 
him  a  coat  of  many  colors.  And  his  brethren  saw  that 
their  father  loved  him  more  than  all  his  brethren;  and 
they  hated  him,  and  could  not  speak  peaceably  unto  hira. 

And  Joseph  dreamed  a  dream,  and  he  told  it  to  his 
brethren:  and  they  hated  him  yet  the  more. 

And  his  brethren  went  to  feed  their  father's  flock  in 
Shechem.  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Go  now,  see 
whether  it  is  well  with  thy  brethren,  and  well  with  the 
flock ;  and  bring  me  word  again.  And  Joseph  went  after 
his  brethren,  and  found  them  in  Dothan. 

And  they  saw  him  afar  ofl^,  and  before  he  came  near 
unto  them,  they  conspired  against  him  to  slay  him.  And 
they  said  one  to  another.  Behold,  this  dreamer  cometh. 
Come  now  therefore,  and  let  us  slay  him,  and  cast  him 
into  one  of  the  pits,  and  we  will  say,  An  evil  beast  hath 
devoured  him:  and  we  shall  see  what  will  become  of  his 
dreams.  And  Reuben  heard  it,  and  delivered  him  out  of 
their  hand,  and  said,  Let  us  not  take  his  life.     Shed  no 


46  Mornmg  Readings 

blood;  cast  him  into  this  pit  that  is  in  the  wilderness, 
but  lay  no  hand  upon  him :  that  he  might  deliver  him  out 
of  their  hand,  to  restore  him  to  his  father. 

Genesis  37:3-5,  12,  14,  17-22 

O  Almighty  God,  Father  and  Lord  of  all  the  creatures, 
who  hast  disposed  all  things  and  all  chances  so  as  may 
best  magnify  Thy  mercy,  bringing  good  out  of  evil;  we 
most  humbly  beseech  Thee  to  give  us  wisdom  from  above, 
that  we  may  adore  Thee  and  admire  Thy  ways  and  foot- 
steps, which  are  in  the  great  deep  and  not  to  be  searched 
out;  teach  us  to  submit  to  Thy  Providence  in  all  things, 
to  be  content  in  all  changes  of  person  and  condition,  to 
be  temperate  in  prosperity,  and  to  read  our  duty  in  the 
lines  of  Thy  mercy ;  and  in  adversity  to  be  meek,  patient, 
and  resigned;  and  to  look  through  the  cloud,  that  we 
may  wait  for  the  consolation  of  the  Lord. — ^Amen. 

Jeremy  Taylor  (1613-1667) 

8 

Solo  into  OBffgpt 

/WND  it  came  to  pass,  when  Joseph  was  come  unto  his 
'^^brethren,  that  they  stripped  Joseph  of  his  coat,  the 
coat  of  many  colors  that  was  on  him ;  and  they  took  him, 
and  cast  him  into  the  pit:  and  the  pit  was  empty,  there 
was  no  water  in  it. 

And  they  sat  down  to  eat  bread:  and  they  lifted  up 
their  eyes  and  looked,  and,  behold,  a  caravan  of  Ish- 
maelites  was  coming  from  Gilead,  with  their  camels  bear- 


Narratives  4T 


ing  spicery  and  balm  and  myrrh,  going  to  carry  it  down 
to  Egypt.  And  Judah  said  unto  his  brethren,  What 
profit  is  it  if  we  slay  our  brother  and  conceal  his  blood? 
Come,  and  let  us  sell  him  to  the  Ishmaelites,  and  let  not 
our  hand  be  upon  him;  for  he  is  our  brother,  our  flesh. 
And  his  brethren  hearkened  unto  him.  And  there  passed 
by  Midianites,  merchantmen;  and  they  drew  and  lifted 
up  Joseph  out  of  the  pit,  and  sold  Joseph  to  the  Ish- 
maelites for  twenty  pieces  of  silver.  And  they  brought 
Joseph  into  Egypt. 

And  they  took  Joseph's  coat,  and  killed  a  he-goat,  and 
dipped  the  coat  in  the  blood;  and  they  sent  the  coat  of 
many  colors,  and  they  brought  it  to  their  father,  and 
said.  This  have  we  found:  know  now  whether  it  is  thy 
son's  coat  or  not.  And  he  knew  it,  and  said,  It  is  my 
son's  coat;  an  evil  beast  hath  devoured  him;  Joseph  is 
without  doubt  torn  in  pieces.  And  Jacob  rent  his  gar- 
ments, and  put  sackcloth  upon  his  loins,  and  mourned 
for  his  son  many  days.  And  all  his  sons  and  all  his 
daughters  rose  up  to  comfort  him;  but  he  refused  to  be 
comforted;  and  he  said.  For  I  will  go  down  to  Sheol  to 
my  son  mourning.     And  his  father  wept  for  him. 

And  the  Midianites  sold  him  into  Egypt  unto  Potiphar, 
an  officer  of  Pharaoh's,  and  captain  of  the  guard. 

Genesis  37 :23-28,  31-35,  36 

O  God,  Thou  only  Refuge  of  Thy  children!  who  re- 
mainest  true  though  all  else  should  fail,  and  livest  though 
all  things  die,  .  .  .  Cover  us  now  when  we  fly  to  Thee. 
Rebuke  within  us  all  immoderate  desires,  all  unquiet  tem- 
per, all  presumptuous  expectations,   all  ignoble  self -in- 


48  Morning  Readings 

dulgence:  and  feeling  on  us  the  embrace  of  Thy  Fatherly 
hand,  may  we  meekly  and  with  courage  go  into  the  dark- 
est ways  of  our  pilgrimage;  anxious  not  to  change  Thy 
perfect  will,  but  only  to  do  and  bear  it  worthily.  .  .  . 
May  we  spend  all  our  days  as  in  Thy  presence,  and  meet 
our  death  in  the  strength  of  Thy  promise,  and  pass  hence 
into  the  nearer  light  of  Thy  knowledge  and  Thy  love. — 
Amen. 

James  Martineau  (1805-1900) 

9 

Pl)araol)'0  Dream 

/WND  it  came  to  pass  at  the  end  of  two  full  years,  that 
<*^ Pharaoh  dreamed:  and,  behold,  he  stood  by  the  river. 
And,  behold,  there  came  up  out  of  the  river  seven  kine, 
well-favored  and  fat-fleshed;  and  they  fed  in  the  reed- 
grass.  And,  behold,  seven  other  kine  came  up  after  them 
out  of  the  river,  ill-favored  and  lean-fleshed,  and  stood 
by  the  other  kine  upon  the  brink  of  the  river.  And  the 
ill-favored  and  lean-fleshed  kine  did  eat  up  the  seven 
well-favored  and  fat  kine.  So  Pharaoh  awoke.  And  he 
slept  and  dreamed  a  second  time:  and,  behold,  seven  ears 
of  grain  came  up  upon  one  stalk,  rank  and  good.  And, 
behold,  seven  ears,  thin  and  blasted  with  the  east  wind, 
sprung  up  after  them.  And  the  thin  ears  swallowed  up 
the  seven  rank  and  full  ears.  And  Pharaoh  awoke,  and, 
behold,  it  was  a  dream.  And  it  came  to  pass  in  the 
morning  that  his  spirit  was  troubled;  and  he  sent  and 
called  for  all  the  magicians  of  Egypt,  and  all  the  wise 


Narratives  49 


men   thereof:    and   Pharaoh   told    them   his    dream;   but 
there  was  none  that  could  interpret  them  unto  Pharaoh. 

Then  spake  the  chief  butler  unto  Pharaoh,  saving,  I 
do  remember  my  faults  this  day :  Pharaoh  was  wroth  with 
his  servants,  and  put  me  in  ward  in  the  house  of  the 
captain  of  the  guard,  me  and  the  cliief  baker:  and  we 
dreamed  a  dream  in  one  night,  I  and  he;  we  dreamed  each 
man  according  to  the  interpretation  of  his  dream.  And 
there  was  with  us  there  a  young  man,  a  Hebrew,  sei'^'ant 
to  the  captain  of  the  guard ;  and  we  told  him,  and  he  in- 
terpreted to  us  our  dreams ;  to  each  man  according  to 
his  dream  he  did  intei^ret.  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  he 
interpreted  to  us,  so  it  was ;  me  he  restored  unto  mine 
office,  and  him  he  hanged. 

Then  Pharaoh  sent  and  called  Joseph,  and  they 
brought  him  hastily  out  of  the  dungeon :  and  he  shaved 
himself,  and  changed  his  raiment,  and  came  in  unto 
Pharaoh.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto  Joseph,  I  have 
dreamed  a  dream,  and  there  is  none  that  can  interpret 
it :  and  I  have  heard  say  of  thee,  that  when  thou  hearest 
a  dream  thou  canst  interpret  it.  And  Joseph  answered 
Pharaoh,  saying.  It  is  not  in  me :  God  will  give  Pharaoh 
an  answer  of  peace. 

Genesis  41 :1-16 

We  need  Thee  to  teach  us  day  by  day,  according  to 
each  day's  opportunities  and  needs.  Give  us,  0  our 
Lord,  that  purity  of  conscience  which  alone  can  receive, 
which  alone  can  improve  Th}^  inspirations.  Our  ears  are 
dull,  so  that  we  cannot  hear  Thy  voice.  Our  eyes  are 
dim,    so    that    we    cannot    see   Thv    tokens.     Thou    alone 


60  Mornvng  Readings 

canst  quicken  our  hearing,  and  purge  our  sight,  and 
cleanse  and  renew  our  heart.  Teach  us  to  sit  at  Thy 
feet,  and  to  hear  Thy  word. — Amen. 

Cardinal  John  Henri/  Newman  (1801-1890) 

10 

Cfie  Snterpretation 

/WND  Pharaoh  spake  unto  Joseph,  In  my  dream,  be- 
^S^hold,  I  stood  upon  the  brink  of  the  river:  and,  be- 
hold, there  came  up  out  of  the  river  seven  kine,  fat- 
fleshed  and  well-favored;  and  they  fed  in  the  reed-grass: 
and,  behold,  seven  other  kine  came  up  after  them,  poor 
and  very  ill-favored  and  lean-fleshed,  such  as  I  never  saw 
in  all  the  land  of  Egypt  for  badness:  and  the  lean  and 
ill-favored  kine  did  eat  up  the  first  seven  fat  kine:  and 
when  they  had  eaten  them  up,  it  could  not  be  known 
that  they  had  eaten  them ;  but  they  were  still  ill-favored, 
as  at  the  beginning.  So  I  awoke.  And  I  saw  in  my 
dream,  and,  behold,  seven  ears  came  up  upon  one  stalk, 
full  and  good:  and,  behold,  seven  ears,  withered,  thin, 
and  blasted  with  the  east  wind,  sprung  up  after  them: 
and  the  thin  ears  swallowed  up  the  seven  good  ears :  and 
I  told  it  unto  the  magicians;  but  there  was  none  that 
could  declare  it  to  me. 

And  Joseph  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The  dream  of  Pharaoh 
is  one:  what  God  is  about  to  do  he  hath  declared  unto 
Pharaoh.  The  seven  good  kine  are  seven  years ;  and  the 
seven  good  ears  are  seven  years :  the  dream  is  one.     And 


Narratives  51 


the  seven  lean  and  ill-favored  kine  that  came  up  after 
them  are  seven  years,  and  also  the  seven  empty  ears 
blasted  with  the  east  wind;  they  shall  be  seven  years  of 
famine. 

And  for  that  the  dream  was  doubled  unto  Pharaoh,  it 
is  because  the  thing  is  established  by  God,  and  God  will 
shortly  bring  it  to  pass.  Now  therefore  let  Pharaoh 
look  out  a  man  discreet  and  wise,  and  set  him  over  the 
land  of  Egypt.  Let  Pharaoh  do  this,  and  let  him  ap- 
point overseers  over  the  land,  and  take  up  the  fifth  part 
of  the  land  of  Egypt  in  the  seven  plenteous  years. 

And  the  food  shall  be  for  a  store  to  the  land  against 
the  seven  years  of  famine,  which  shall  be  in  the  land  of 
Egypt ;  that  the  land  perish  not  through  the  famine. 

And  the  thing  was  good  in  the  eyes  of  Pharaoh,  and 
in  the  eyes  of  all  his  servants.  And  Pharaoh  said  unto 
his  servants.  Can  we  find  such  a  one  as  this,  a  man  in 
whom  the  spirit  of  God  is?  And  Pharaoh  said  unto 
Joseph,  Forasmuch  as  God  hath  showed  thee  all  this, 
there  is  none  so  discreet  and  wise  as  thou:  thou  shalt  be 
over  my  house,  and  according  unto  thy  word  shall  all 
my  people  be  ruled:  only  in  the  throne  will  I  be  greater 
than  thou. 

Gmesis  41:17-27,  32-34,  36-40 

O  Lord,  perfect,  we  beseech  Thee,  the  faith  of  us  who 
believe,  and  sow  the  good  seed  of  faith  in  their  hearts  who 
yet  lack  it;  that  we  all  may  look  steadfastly  unto  Thee, 
and  run  with  patience  the  race  that  is  set  before  us.  Give 
us  grace  to  show  our  faith  by  our  works;  teach  us  to 


52  Morning  Readings 

walk  by  faith,  having  respect  unto  the  promises:  which 
of  Thy  mercy  make  good  to  us  in  Thine  own  good  time, 
O  our  most  gracious  Lord  God. — Amen. 

Christina  G.  Rossetti  (1830-1894) 

11 

Cfte  jFamine 

/WND  Joseph  was  thirty  3^ears  old  when  he  stood  be- 
^^iore  Pharaoh  king  of  Egypt.  And  Joseph  went  out 
from  the  presence  of  Pharaoh,  and  went  throughout  all 
the  land  of  Egypt.  And  in  the  seven  plenteous  years  the 
earth  brought  forth  by  handfuls.  And  he  gathered  up 
all  the  food  of  the  seven  ^^ears  which  were  in  the  land  of 
Egypt,  and  laid  up  the  food  in  the  cities:  the  food  of 
the  field,  which  was  round  about  every  city,  laid  he  up 
in  the  same.  And  Joseph  laid  up  grain  as  the  sand  of 
the  sea,  very  much,  until  he  left  off  numbering;  for  it 
was  without  number.  And  the  seven  years  of  plenty, 
that  was  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  came  to  an  end.  And  the 
seven  years  of  famine  began  to  come,  according  as  Joseph 
had  said :  and  there  was  famine  in  all  lands ;  but  in  all  the 
land  of  Egypt  there  was  bread. 

And  all  countries  came  into  Egypt  to  Joseph  to  buy 
grain,  because  the  famine  was  sore  in  all  the  earth. 

Genesis  41 :46-49,  53,  54,  57 

Almighty  God,  Maker  of  heaven  and  earth.  Giver  of 
light  and  life,  so  teach  us  those  things  which  belong  to 
the  heavenly  kingdom,  and  those  duties  which  are  of  the 


Narratives  53 


earth,  that  we,  stirred  by  the  light  and  life  of  the  peace 
of  God,  may  be  enabled  faithfully  to  do  the  things  com- 
mitted to  us,  looking  ever  unto  Thee  for  light  and  life, 
that,  being  lifted  above  ourselves,  the  life  of  God  in  the 
soul  of  man  may  be  ours,  and  the  peace  of  God,  which 
passeth  all  understanding,  may  then  keep  our  hearts 
and  minds. — Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 

12 

Cfte  Meeting  in  (Egppt 

^^OW  Jacob  saw  that  there  was  grain  in  Egypt,  and 
-J'AJacob  said  unto  his  sons.  Why  do  ye  look  one  upon 
another?  And  he  said,  Behold,  I  have  heard  that  there 
is  grain  in  Eg^^pt :  get  you  down  thither,  and  buy  for  us 
from  thence ;  that  we  may  live,  and  not  die.  And  Joseph's 
ten  brethren  went  down  to  buy  grain  from  Egypt.  But 
Benjamin,  Joseph's  brother,  Jacob  sent  not  with  his 
brethren;  for  he  said.  Lest  peradventure  harm  befall 
him. 

And  Joseph  was  the  governor  over  the  land ;  he  it  was 
that  sold  to  all  the  people  of  the  land.  And  Joseph's 
brethren  came,  and  bowed  down  themselves  to  him  with 
their  faces  to  the  earth.  And  Joseph  saw  his  brethren, 
and  he  knew  them,  but  made  himself  strange  unto  them, 
and  spake  roughly  with  them;  and  he  said  unto  them, 
Whence  come  ye?  And  they  said,  From  the  land  of 
Canaan  to  buy  food.  And  Joseph  knew  his  brethren, 
but  they  knew  not  him. 


54«  Mommg  Readings 

And  Joseph  remembered  the  dreams  which  he  dreamed 
of  them,  and  said  unto  them,  Ye  are  spies;  to  see  the 
nakedness  of  the  land  ye  are  come. 

And  they  said  unto  him.  Nay,  my  lord,  but  to  buy  food 
are  thy  servants  come.  We  are  all  one  man's  sons;  we 
are  true  men,  thy  servants  are  no  spies. 

And  they  said.  We  thy  servants  are  twelve  brethren, 
the  sons  of  one  man  in  the  land  of  Canaan;  and,  behold, 
the  youngest  is  this  day  with  our  father,  and  one  is  not. 
And  Joseph  spake  unto  them,  That  is  it  that  I  spake  unto 
you,  saying.  Ye  are  spies :  hereby  ye  shall  be  proved : 
by  the  life  of  Pharaoh  ye  shall  not  go  forth  hence,  except 
your  youngest  brother  come  hither.  Send  one  of  you, 
and  let  him  fetch  your  brother,  and  ye  shall  be  bound, 
that  your  words  may  be  proved,  whether  there  be  truth 
in  you :  or  else  by  the  life  of  Pharaoh  surely  ye  are  spies. 
And  he  put  them  all  together  into  ward  three  days. 

.     Genesis  42:1-4,  6-11,  13-17 

Father,  we  bless  Thee  for  the  discipline  of  our  daily 
life,  and  pray  that  by  our  experience  we  may  grow 
wiser  and  nobler-hearted,  that  prosperity  may  teach  us 
to  be  generous  towards  all,  to  be  charitable  towards  such 
as  we  ought  to  help;  and  when  sadness  and  adversity 
come  over  us,  may  they  still  more  soften  our  hearts, 
while  they  confirm  and  strengthen  our  will,  and  lift  our 
souls  upward  to  an  aspiration  for  nobler  and  nobler  vir- 
tues than  we  have  hitherto  attained. — Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 


Narratives  55 


13 

3fo0epl)'0  IBretftren  Ketutn 

/WND  Joseph  said  unto  them  the  third  day,  This  do, 
<*^and  live;  for  I  fear  God:  if  ye  be  true  men,  let  one 
of  your  brethren  be  bound  in  your  prison-house;  but  go 
ye,  carry  grain  for  the  famine  of  your  houses :  and  bring 
your  youngest  brother  unto  me;  so  shall  your  words  be 
verified,  and  ye  shall  not  die.  And  they  did  so.  And 
they  said  one  to  another.  We  are  verily  guilty  concern- 
ing our  brother,  in  that  we  saw  the  distress  of  his  soul, 
when  he  besought  us,  and  we  would  not  hear;  therefore 
is  this  distress  come  upon  us.  And  Reuben  answered 
them,  saying,  Spake  I  not  unto  you,  saying.  Do  not  sin 
against  the  child;  and  ye  would  not  hear?  therefore  also, 
behold,  his  blood  is  required.  And  they  knew  not  that 
Joseph  understood  them ;  for  there  was  an  interpreter  be- 
tween them.  And  he  turned  himself  about  from  them, 
and  wept;  and  he  returned  to  them,  and  spake  to  them, 
and  took  Simeon  from  among  them,  and  bound  him  be- 
fore their  eyes.  Then  Joseph  commanded  to  fill  their 
vessels  with  grain,  and  to  restore  every  man's  money  into 
his  sack,  and  to  give  them  provision  for  the  way:  and 
thus  was  it  done  unto  them. 

And  it  came  to  pass  as  they  emptied  their  sacks,  that, 
behold,  every  man's  bundle  of  money  was  in  his  sack: 
and  when  they  and  their  father  saw  their  bundles  of 
money,  they  were  afraid.  And  Jacob  their  father  said 
unto  them.  Me  have  you  bereaved  of  my  children :  Joseph 


56  Morning  Readings 

is  not,  and  Simeon  is  not,  and  ye  will  take  Benjamin 
away:  all  these  things  are  against  me. 

Genesis  42:18-25,  35,  36 

Almighty  God,  have  mercy  upon  us,  who,  when 
troubled  with  the  things  that  are  past,  lose  faith,  and 
life,  and  courage,  and  hope.  So  have  mercy  upon  us, 
and  uphold  us,  that  we,  being  sustained  by  a  true  faith 
that  Thou  art  merciful  and  forgiving,  may  go  on  in  the 
life  of  the  future  to  keep  Thy  commandments,  to  re- 
joice in  Thy  bounty,  to  trust  in  Thy  mercy,  and  to  hope 
in  the  eternal  life.  Grant  unto  all  of  us,  whatsoever  may 
betide  us,  to  remember  ever  that  it  is  all  of  Thy  guid- 
ance, under  Thy  care,  by  Thy  will;  that  so,  in  darkest 
days,  beholding  Thee  we  may  have  courage  to  go  on, 
faith  to  endure,  patience  to  bear,  and  hopefulness  to  hold 
out,  even  unto  the  end. — Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 

14 

Cfte  S>econti  3Iourneg  to  OBgppt 

/WND  the  famine  was  sore  in  the  land.  And  it  came 
'^^to  pass,  when  they  had  eaten  up  the  grain  which  they 
had  brought  out  of  Egypt,  their  father  said  unto  them, 
Go  again,  buy  us  a  little  food.  And  Judah  spake  unto 
him,  saying.  The  man  did  solemnly  protest  unto  us,  say- 
ing. Ye  shall  not  see  my  face,  except  your  brother  be 
with  you.  If  thou  wilt  send  our  brother  with  us,  we  will 
go  down  and  buy  thee  food:  but  if  thou  wilt  not  send* 


Narratives  57 


him,  we  will  not  go  down ;  for  the  man  said  unto  us,  Ye 
shall  not  see  my  face,  except  your  brother  be  with  you. 
And  Israel  said.  Wherefore  dealt  ye  so  ill  with  me,  as  to 
tell  the  man  whether  ye  had  yet  a  brother?  And  they 
said,  The  man  asked  straightly  concerning  ourselves,  and 
concerning  our  kindred,  saying.  Is  your  father  yet  alive? 
have  ye  another  brother?  and  we  told  him  according  to 
the  tenor  of  these  words :  could  we  in  any  wise  know  that 
he  would  say,  Bring  your  brother  down?  And  Judah 
said  unto  Israel  his  father.  Send  the  lad  with  me,  and 
we  will  arise  and  go ;  that  we  may  live,  and  not  die,  both 
we,  and  thou,  and  also  our  little  ones.  I  will  be  surety 
for  him;  of  my  hand  shalt  thou  require  him:  if  I  bring 
him  not  unto  thee,  and  set  him  before  thee,  then  let  me 
bear  the  blame  for  ever :  for  except  we  had  lingered, 
surely  we  had  now  returned  a  second  time.  And  their 
father  Israel  said  unto  them.  If  it  be  so  now,  do  this: 
take  of  the  choice  fruits  of  the  land  in  your  vessels,  and 
carry  down  the  man  a  present,  a  little  balm,  and  a  little 
honey,  spicery  and  myrrh,  nuts,  and  almonds ;  and  take 
double  money  in  your  hand;  and  the  money  that  was  re- 
turned in  the  mouth  of  your  sacks  carry  again  in  your 
hand;  peradventure  it  was  an  oversight:  take  also  your 
brother,  and  arise,  go  again  unto  the  man :  and  God  Al- 
mighty give  you  mercy  before  the  man,  that  he  may  re- 
lease unto  you  your  other  brother  and  Benjamin.  And 
if  I  be  bereaved  of  my  children,  I  am  bereaved.  And  the 
men  took  that  present,  and  they  took  double  money  in 
their  hand,  and  Benjamin;  and  rose  up,  and  went  down 
to  Egypt,  and  stood  before  Joseph. 

Genesis  43:1-15 


58  Morning  Readvngs 

O  Thou,  on  whose  goodness  we  lie  down,  like  the  flock 
upon  the  green  pastures,  and  from  whose  purity  we 
quench  our  thirst,  as  from  the  clear  waters !  many  of 
Thy  mercies  do  we  plainly  see,  and  we  believe  in  a  bound- 
less store  behind.  No  morning  stars  that  sing  together 
can  have  deeper  call  than  we  for  grateful  joy.  Thou 
hast  given  us  a  life  of  high  vocation,  and  Thine  own 
breathing  in  our  hearts  interprets  for  us  its  sacred  op- 
portunities. Thou  hast  cheered  the  way  with  many  dear 
affections  and  glimpses  of  solemn  beauty  and  everlast- 
ing truth.  Not  a  cloud  of  sorrow,  but  Thou  hast  touched 
with  glory:  not  a  dusty  atmosphere  of  cares,  but  Thy 
light  shines  through!  And,  lest  our  spirits  should  fail 
before  Thine  unattainable  perfections,  Thou  hast  set  us 
in  the  train  of  Thy  saints  who  have  learned  to  take  up 
the  cross  of  Thy  sacrifice.  .  .  .  Let  the  time  past  suf- 
fice to  have  wrought  our  own  will,  and  now  make  us 
consecrate  to  Thine. — ^Amen. 

James  Martineau  (1805-1900) 

15 

3fo0epJ)  iaebeal0  ^im^elf 

(WND  when  Joseph  saw  Benjamin  with  them,  he  said 
^^^to  the  steward  of  his  house,  Bring  the  men  into  the 
house,  and  slay,  and  make  ready;  for  the  men  shall  dine 
with  me  at  noon.  And  the  man  did  as  Joseph  bade ;  and 
the  man  brought  the  men  to  Joseph's  house. 

And  when  Joseph  came  home,  they  brought  him  the 
present   which   was   in   their   hand   into    the   house,   and 


Narratives  59 


bowed  down  themselves  to  him  to  the  earth.  And  he 
asked  them  of  their  welfare,  and  said,  Is  your  father  well, 
the  old  man  of  whom  ye  spake?  Is  he  yet  alive?  And 
they  said.  Thy  servant  our  father  is  well,  he  is  yet  alive. 
And  they  bowed  the  head,  and  made  obeisance.  And  he 
lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  Benjamin  his  brother,  his 
mother's  son,  and  said.  Is  this  your  youngest  brother, 
of  whom  ye  spake  unto  me?  And  he  said,  God  be  gra- 
cious unto  thee,  my  son.  And  Joseph  made  haste;  for 
his  heart  yearned  over  his  brother:  and  he  sought  where 
to  weep ;  and  he  entered  into  his  chamber,  and  wept  there. 
And  he  washed  his  face,  and  came  out;  and  he  refrained 
himself,  and  said.  Set  on  bread.  And  they  sat  before 
him,  the  first-bom  according  to  his  birthright,  and  the 
youngest  according  to  his  youth:  and  the  men  marvelled 
one  with  another. 

Then  Joseph  could  not  refrain  himself  before  all  them 
that  stood  by  him;  and  he  cried.  Cause  every  man  to  go 
out  from  me.  And  there  stood  no  man  with  him,  while 
Joseph  made  himself  known  unto  his  brethren.  And  he 
wept  aloud:  and  the  Egyptians  heard,  and  the  house  of 
Pharaoh  heard.  And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren,  I 
am  Joseph;  doth  my  father  yet  live?  And  his  brethren 
could  not  answer  him ;  for  they  were  troubled  at  his  pres- 
ence. And  Joseph  said  unto  his  brethren.  Come  near  to 
me,  I  pray  you.  And  they  came  near.  And  he  said,  I 
am  Joseph  your  brother,  whom  ye  sold  into  Egypt.  And 
now  be  not  grieved,  nor  angry  with  yourselves,  that  ye 
sold  me  hither:  for  God  did  send  me  before  you  to  pre- 
serve life.  For  these  two  years  hath  the  famine  been  in 
the  land:  and  there  are  yet  five  years,  in  which  there 


60  Morning  Readings 

shall  be  neither  plowing  nor  harvest.  And  God  sent  me 
before  you  to  preserve  you  a  remnant  in  the  earth,  and 
to  save  you  alive  by  a  great  deliverance.  So  now  it  was 
not  you  that  sent  me  hither,  but  God:  and  he  hath  made 
me  a  father  to  Pharaoh,  and  lord  of  all  his  house,  and 
ruler  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt.  Haste  ye,  and  go  up 
to  my  father,  and  say  unto  him.  Thus  saith  thy  son 
Joseph,  God  hath  made  me  lord  of  all  Egypt :  come  down 
unto  me,  tarry  not;  and  thou  shalt  dwell  in  the  land  of 
Goshen,  and  thou  shalt  be  near  unto  me,  thou,  and  thy 
children,  and  thy  children's  children,  and  thy  flocks, 
and  thy  herds,  and  all  that  thou  hast:  and  there  will  I 
nourish  thee;  for  there  are  yet  five  years  of  famine;  lest 
thou  come  to  poverty,  thou,  and  thy  household,  and  all 
that  thou  hast. 

And  ye  shall  tell  my  father  of  all  my  glory  in  Egypt, 
and  of  all  that  ye  have  seen :  and  ye  shall  haste  and  bring 
down  my  father  hither.  And  he  fell  upon  his  brother 
Benjamin's  neck,  and  wept;  and  Benjamin  wept  upon 
his  neck.  And  he  kissed  all  his  brethren,  and  wept  upon 
them:  a'lid  after  that  his  brethren  talked  with  him. 

Genesis  43:16,  17,  26-31,  33;  45:1-11,  13-15 

O  Thou  who  art  love,  and  dwellest  in  love !  Teach  us 
herein  to  be  followers  of  Thee,  as  dear  children.  Never 
may  we  shut  our  hearts  against  the  sorrows  of  even  the 
unthankful  and  the  evil.  Make  us  organs  of  Thy  tender 
mercy,  to  soothe  the  wretched,  to  lift  the  penitent,  to 
seek  and  to  save  the  lost ;  till  all  shall  at  length  know 
themselves  Thy  children,  and  be  one  with  each  other  and 
with  Thee. — Amen. 

James  Marti/neau  (1805-1900) 


Narratives  61 


16 

3fa0epJ)'0  Jfatftet 

O  he  sent  his  brethren  away,  and  they  departed:  and 
he  said  unto  them,  See  that  ye  fall  not  out  by  the 
way.  And  they  went  up  out  of  Egypt,  and  came  into 
the  land  of  Canaan  unto  Jacob  their  father.  And  they 
told  him,  saying,  Joseph  is  yet  alive,  and  he  is  ruler  over 
all  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  his  heart  fainted,  for  he 
believed  them  not.  And  they  told  him  all  the  words  of 
Joseph,  which  he  had  said  unto  them:  and  when  he  saw 
the  wagons  which  Joseph  had  sent  to  carry  him,  the 
spirit  of  Jacob  their  father  revived:  and  Israel  said,  It 
is  enough ;  Joseph  my  son  is  yet  alive :  I  will  go  and  see 
him  before  I  die. 

And  Jacob  rose  up  from  Beersheba :  and  the  sons  of 
Israel  carried  Jacob  their  father,  and  their  little  ones, 
and  their  wives,  in  the  wagons  which  Pharaoh  had  sent 
to  carry  him.  And  they  took  their  cattle,  and  their 
goods,  which  they  had  gotten  in  the  land  of  Canaan,  and 
came  into  Egypt,  Jacob,  and  all  his  seed  with  him:  his 
sons,  and  his  sons'  sons  with  him,  his  daughters,  and  his 
sons'  daughters,  and  all  his  seed  brought  he  with  him 
into  Egypt. 

And  Joseph  made  ready  his  chariot,  and  went  up  to 
meet  Israel  his  father,  to  Goshen ;  and  he  presented  him- 
self unto  him,  and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  wept  on  his  neck 
a  good  while.  And  Israel  said  unto  Joseph,  Now  let  me 
die,  since  I  have  seen  thy  face,  that  thou  art  yet  alive. 
Genesis  45:24-28;  46:5-7,  29,  30 


62  Morning  Readings 

Give,  we  pray  Thee,  to  all  children  grace  reverently 
to  love  their  parents,  and  lovingly  to  obey  them.  Teach 
us  all  that  filial  duty  never  ends  or  lessens :  and  bless  all 
parents  in  their  children,  and  all  children  in  their  par- 
ents. O  Thou  in  whom  the  fatherless  find  mercy,  make 
all  orphans,  we  beseech  Thee,  loving  and  dutiful  unto 
Thee,  their  true  Father.  Be  Thy  will  their  law.  Thy 
house  their  home,  Thy  love  their  inheritance.  And  we 
earnestly  pray  Thee,  comfort  those  who  have  lost  their 
children,  giving  mothers  grace  to  be  comforted  though 
they  are  not;  and  grant  us  all  faith  to  yield  our  dearest 
treasures  unto  Thee  with  joy  and  thanksgiving,  that 
where  with  Thee  our  treasure  is,  there  our  hearts  may 
be  also.  Thus  may  we  look  for  and  hasten  unto  the  day 
of  union  with  Thee,  and  of  reunion. — Amen. 

Christina  G,  Rossetti  (1830-1894) 

17 

3faco6'0  JLa0t  Dag0 

/WND  Joseph  brought  in  Jacob  his  father,  and  set  him 
<*^before  Pharaoh:  and  Jacob  blessed  Pharaoh.  And 
Pharaoh  said  unto  Jacob,  How  many  are  the  days  of  the 
years  of  thy  life?  And  Jacob  said  unto  Pharaoh,  The 
days  of  the  years  of  my  pilgrimage  are  a  hundred  and 
thirty  years :  few  and  evil  have  been  the  days  of  the  years 
of  my  life,  and  they  have  not  attained  unto  the  days  of 
the  years  of  the  life  of  my  fathers  in  the  days  of  their 
pilgrimage.  And  Jacob  blessed  Pharaoh,  and  went  out 
from  the  presence  of  Pharaoh.     And  Joseph  placed  his 


Narratives  63 


father  and  his  brethren,  and  gave  them  a  possession  in 
the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  best  of  the  land,  in  the  land  of 
Rameses,  as  Pharaoh  had  commanded. 

And  Israel  dwelt  in  the  land  of  Egypt,  in  the  land 
of  Goshen;  and  they  gat  them  possessions  therein,  and 
were  fruitful,  and  multiplied  exceedingly. 

And  the  time  drew  near  that  Israel  must  die:  and  he 
called  his  son  Joseph  and  said  unto  him.  If  now  I  have 
found  favor  in  thy  sight,  put,  I  pray  thee,  thy  hand 
under  my  thigh,  and  deal  kindly  and  truly  with  me :  bury 
me  not,  I  pray  thee,  in  Egypt ;  but  when  I  sleep  with 
my  fathers,  thou  shalt  carry  me  out  of  Egypt,  and  bury 
me  in  their  burying-place.  And  he  said,  I  will  do  as  thou 
hast  said. 

And  when  Jacob  made  an  end  of  charging  his  sons,  he 
yielded  up  the  ghost,  and  was  gathered  unto  his  people. 
Geiiesis  47:7-11,  27,  29,  30;  49:33 

We  thank  Thee  for  the  dear  and  faithful  dead,  for 
those  who  have  made  the  distant  heavens  a  Home  for  us, 
and  whose  truth  and  beauty  are  even  now  in  our  hearts. 
One  by  one  Thou  dost  gather  the  scattered  families  out 
of  the  earthly  light  into  the  heavenly  glory,  from  the 
distractions  and  strife  and  weariness  of  time  to  the  peace 
of  eternity.  We  thank  Thee  for  the  labors  and  the  joys 
of  these  mortal  years.  We  thank  Thee  for  our  deep 
sense  of  the  mysteries  that  lie  beyond  our  dust,  and  for 
the  eye  of  faith  which  Thou  hast  opened  for  all  to  out- 
look that  mark.  May  we  live  altogether  in  Thy  Faith 
and  Love,  and  in  that  Hope  which  is  full  of  Immortality. 
— ^Amen. 

Rufus  Ellis  (1819-1885) 


64  Morning  Readings 

18 

^p|OW  there  arose  a  new  king  over  Egypt,  who  knew 
J'A'not  Joseph.  And  he  said  unto  his  people,  Behold, 
the  people  of  the  children  of  Israel  are  more  and  mightier 
than  we:  come,  let  us  deal  wisely  with  them,  lest  they 
multiply,  and  it  come  to  pass,  that,  when  there  falleth  out 
any  war,  they  also  join  themselves  unto  our  enemies,  and 
fight  against  us,  and  get  them  up  out  of  the  land. 
Therefore  they  did  set  over  them  taskmasters  to  afflict 
them  with  their  burdens.  And  they  built  for  Pharaoh 
store-cities,  Pithom  and  Raamses.  But  the  more  they  af- 
flicted them,  the  more  they  multiplied  and  the  more  they 
spread  abroad.  And  they  were  grieved  because  of  the 
children  of  Israel. 

And  Pharaoh  charged  all  his  people,  saying.  Every 
son  that  is  born  ye  shall  cast  into  the  river,  and  every 
daughter  ye  shall  save  alive. 

And  there  went  a  man  of  the  house  of  Levi,  and  took 
to  wife  a  daughter  of  Levi.  And  the  woman  bare  a  son: 
and  when  she  saw  him  that  he  was  a  goodly  child,  she 
hid  him  three  months.  And  when  she  could  not  longer 
hide  him,  she  took  for  him  an  ark  of  bulrushes,  and 
daubed  it  with  slime  and  with  pitch ;  and  she  put  the  child 
therein,  and  laid  it  in  the  flags  by  the  river's  brink.  And 
his  sister  stood  afar  off",  to  know  what  would  be  done  to 
him.  And  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh  came  down  to  bathe 
at  the  river;  and  her  maidens  walked  along  by  the  river- 
side; and  she  saw  the  ark  among  the  flags,  and  sent  her 


Narratives  65 


handmaid  to  fetch  it.  And  she  opened  it,  and  saw  the 
child :  and,  behold,  the  babe  wept.  And  she  had  compas- 
sion on  him,  and  said.  This  is  one  of  the  Hebrews'  chil- 
dren. Then  said  his  sister  to  Pharaoh's  daughter.  Shall 
I  go  and  call  thee  a  nurse  of  the  Hebrew  women,  that 
she  may  nurse  the  child  for  thee?  And  Pharaoh's  daugh- 
ter said  to  her.  Go.  And  the  maiden  went  and  called  the 
child's  mother.  And  Pharaoh's  daughter  said  unto  her, 
Take  this  child  away,  and  nurse  it  for  me,  and  I  will 
give  thee  thy  wages.  And  the  woman  took  the  child,  and 
nursed  it.  And  the  child  grew,  and  she  brought  him 
unto  Pharaoh's  daughter,  and  he  became  her  son.  And 
she  called  his  name  Moses. 

Exodus  1 :8-12,  22 ;  2 :  1-10 

We  give  thanks  unto  Thee,  for  Thou  art  the  Lord  our 
God  and  the  God  of  our  fathers  for  ever  and  ever;  Thou 
art  the  Rock  of  our  lives,  the  Shield  of  our  salvation 
through  every  generation.  We  will  give  thanks  unto 
Thee  and  declare  Thy  praise  for  our  lives  which  are 
committed  unto  Thy  hand,  and  for  our  souls  which  are 
in  Thy  charge,  and  for  Thy  miracles,  which  are  daily 
with  us,  and  for  Thy  wonders  and  Thy  benefits,  which 
are  wrought  at  all  times,  evening,  morn  and  noon.  O 
Thou  who  art  all-good,  whose  mercies  fail  not ;  Thou, 
merciful  Being,  whose  lovingkindness  never  ceases,  we 
ever  hope  in  Thee. — ^Amen. 

Jewish  Prayer  Booh 


66  Morning  Readings 

19 

DatoiD  anD  ©oliat!) 

4QOW  the  Philistines  gathered  together  their  armies 
.J'^to  battle ;  and  they  were  gathered  together  at  Socoh, 
which  belongeth  to  Judah.  And  Saul  and  the  men  of 
Israel  were  gathered  together,  and  encamped  in  the  vale 
of  Elah,  and  set  the  battle  in  array  against  the  Philis- 
tines. And  the  Philistines  stood  on  the  mountain  on 
the  one  side,  and  Israel  stood  on  the  mountain  on  the 
other  side:  and  there  was  a  valley  between  them.  And 
there  went  out  a  champion  out  of  the  camp  of  the  Philis- 
tines, named  Goliath,  of  Gath,  whose  height  was  six 
cubits  and  a  span.  Ajid  he  had  a  helmet  of  brass  upon 
his  head,  and  he  was  clad  with  a  coat  of  mail;  and  the 
weight  of  the  coat  was  five  thousand  shekels  of  brass. 
And  he  had  greaves  of  brass  upon  his  legs,  and  a  javelin 
of  brass  between  his  shoulders.  And  the  staff  of  his 
spear  was  like  a  weaver's  beam;  and  his  spear's  head 
weighed  six  hundred  shekels  of  iron :  and  his  shield-bearer 
went  before  him.  And  he  stood  and  cried  unto  the  armies 
of  Israel,  and  said  unto  them,  Why  are  ye  come  out  to 
set  your  battle  in  array?  am  not  I  a  Philistine,  and  ye 
servants  to  Saul?  choose  you  a  man  for  you,  and  let 
him  come  down  to  me.  If  he  be  able  to  fight  with  me,  and 
kill  me,  then  will  we  be  your  servants;  but  if  I  prevail 
against  him,  and  kill  him,  then  shall  ye  be  our  servants, 
and  serve  us.  And  the  Philistine  said,  I  defy  the  armies 
of  Israel  this  day ;  give  me  a  man,  that  we  may  fight  to- 
gether.    And  when  Saul  and  all  Israel  heard  those  words 


Xarratives  67 


of  the  Philistine,  they  were  dismayed,  and  greatly  afraid. 

And  all  the  men  of  Israel,  when  they  saw  the  man,  fled 
from  him,  and  were  sore  afraid.  And  the  men  of  Israel 
said.  Have  ye  seen  this  man  that  is  come  up?  surely  to 
defy  Israel  is  he  come  up :  and  it  shall  be,  that  the  man 
who  killeth  him,  the  king  will  enrich  him  with  great 
riches,  and  will  give  him  his  daughter,  and  make  his 
father's  house  free  in  Israel. 

And  David  said  to  Saul,  Let  no  man's  heart  fail  be- 
cause of  him ;  thy  servant  will  go  and  fight  with  this 
Philistine.  And  Saul  said  to  David,  Thou  art  not  able 
to  go  against  this  Philistine  to  fight  with  him;  for  thou 
art  but  a  youth,  and  he  a  man  of  war  from  his  youth. 
And  David  said  unto  Saul,  Thy  ser^'ant  was  keeping  his 
father's  sheep ;  and  when  there  came  a  lion,  or  a  bear, 
and  took  a  lamb  out  of  the  flock,  I  went  out  after  him, 
and  smote  him,  and  delivered  it  out  of  his  mouth;  and 
when  he  arose  against  me,  I  caught  him  by  his  beard,  and 
smote  him,  and  slew  him.  Thy  sers-ant  smote  both  the 
lion  and  the  bear:  and  this  uncircumcised  Philistine  shall 
be  as  one  of  them,  seeing  he  hath  defied  the  armies  of  the 
living  God.  And  David  said,  Jehovah  that  delivered  me 
out  of  the  paw  of  the  lion,  and  out  of  the  paw  of  the  bear, 
he  will  deliver  me  out  of  the  hand  of  this  Philistine.  And 
Saul  said  unto  David,  Go,  and  Jehovah  shall  be  with 
thee. 

/  Samuel  17:1-11,  24,  25,  32-37 

0  merciful  God,  be  Thou  now  unto  us  a  strong  tower 
of  defence,  we  humbly  entreat  Thee.  Arm  us  with  thine 
armor,  that  we  may  stand  fast;  above  all  things,  taking 


68  Morning  Readings 

to  us  the  shield  of  faith;  praying  always  that  we  may 
refer  ourselves  wholly  to  Thy  will,  abiding  Thy  pleasure, 
and  comforting  ourselves  in  those  troubles  which  it  shall 
please  Thee  to  send  us,  seeing  such  troubles  are  profit- 
able for  us ;  and  we  are  assuredly  persuaded  that  all  Thou 
doest  cannot  but  be  well;  and  unto  Thee  be  all  honor  and 
glory. — ^Amen. 

Ladi/  Jan£  Grey  (1553) 

/WND  Saul  clad  David  with  his  apparel,  and  he  put  a 
^^helmet  of  brass  upon  his  head,  and  he  clad  him  with 
a  coat  of  mail.  And  David  girded  his  sword  upon  his 
apparel,  and  he  assayed  to  go ;  for  he  had  not  proved  it. 
And  David  said  unto  Saul,  I  cannot  go  with  these;  for 
I  have  not  proved  them.  And  David  put  them  off  him. 
And  he  took  his  staff  in  his  hand,  and  chose  him  five 
smooth  stones  out  of  the  brook,  and  put  them  in  the 
shepherd's  bag  which  he  had,  even  in  his  wallet;  and  his 
sling  was  in  his  hand :  and  he  drew  near  to  the  Philistine. 
And  the  Philistine  came  on  and  drew  near  unto  David; 
and  the  man  that  bare  the  shield  went  before  him.  And 
when  the  Philistine  looked  about,  and  saw  David,  he  dis- 
dained him;  for  he  was  but  a  youth,  and  ruddy,  and 
withal  of  a  fair  countenance.  And  the  Philistine  said 
unto  David,  Am  I  a  dog,  that  thou  comest  to  me  with 
staves.''  And  the  Philistine  cursed  David  by  his  gods. 
And  the  Philistine  said  to  David,  Come  to  me,  and  I  will 


Narratives  69 


give  thy  flesh  unto  the  birds  of  the  heavens,  and  to  the 
beasts  of  the  field.  Then  said  David  to  the  Phihstine, 
Thou  comest  to  me  with  a  sword,  and  with  a  spear,  and 
with  a  javelin:  but  I  come  to  thee  in  the  name  of  Jehovah 
of  hosts,  the  God  of  the  armies  of  Israel,  whom  thou  hast 
defied.  This  day  will  Jehovah  deliver  thee  into  my  hand ; 
and  I  will  smite  thee,  and  take  thy  head  from  off*  thee; 
and  I  will  give  the  dead  bodies  of  the  host  of  the  Philis- 
tines this  day  unto  the  birds  of  the  heavens,  and  to  the 
wild  beasts  of  the  earth;  that  all  the  earth  may  know 
that  there  is  a  God  in  Israel,  and  that  all  this  assembly 
may  know  that  Jehovah  saveth  not  with  sword  and  spear: 
for  the  battle  is  Jehovah's,  and  he  will  give  you  into  our 
hand.  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  Philistine  arose, 
and  came  and  drew  nigh  to  meet  David,  that  David 
hastened,  and  ran  toward  the  army  to  meet  the  Philistine. 
And  David  put  his  hand  in  his  bag,  and  took  thence  a 
stone,  and  slang  it,  and  smote  the  Philistine  in  his  fore- 
head; and  the  stone  sank  into  liis  forehead,  and  he  fell 
upon  his  face  to  the  earth. 

So  David  prevailed  over  the  Philistine  with  a  sling 
and  with  a  stone,  and  smote  the  Philistine,  and  slew  him; 
but  there  was  no  sword  in  the  hand  of  David.  Then 
David  ran,  and  stood  over  the  Philistine,  and  took  his 
sword,  and  drew  it  out  of  the  sheath  thereof,  and  slew 
him,  and  cut  off^  his  head  therewith.  And  when  the 
Philistines  saw  that  their  champion  was  dead,  they  fled. 

/  Samuel  17:38-51 

O  Lord  God,  Thou  art  our  refuge  and  our  hope;  on 
Thee  alone  we  rest,  for  we  find  all  to  be  weak  and  insuf- 


70  Morning  Readings 

ficient  but  Thee.  Many  friends  cannot  profit,  nor 
strong  helpers  assist,  nor  prudent  counsellors  advise,  nor 
the  books  of  the  learned  afford  comfort,  nor  any  pre- 
cious substance  deliver,  nor  any  place  give  shelter,  unless 
Thou  Thyself  dost  assist,  strengthen,  console,  instruct 
and  guard  us. — ^Amen. 

James  Martineau  (1805-1900) 

21 

^aur^  3fealou0g 

^Jf|5|AVID  went  out  whithersoever  Saul  sent  him,  a/nd 
^^behaved  himself  wisely:  and  Saul  set  him  over  the 
men  of  war,  and  it  was  good  in  the  sight  of  all  the  peo- 
ple, and  also  in  the  sight  of  Saul's  servants. 

And  it  came  to  pass  as  they  came,  when  David  re- 
turned from  the  slaughter  of  the  Philistine,  that  the 
women  came  out  of  all  the  cities  of  Israel,  singing  and 
dancing,  to  meet  king  Saul,  with  timbrels,  with  joy,  and 
with  instruments  of  music.  And  the  women  sang  one  to 
another  as  they  played,  and  said, 

Saul  hath   slain  his   thousands, 
And  David  his  ten  thousands. 

And  Saul  was  very  wroth,  and  this  saying  displeased 
him;  and  he  said.  They  have  ascribed  unto  David  ten 
thousands,  and  to  me  they  have  ascribed  but  thousands: 
and  what  can  he  have  more  but  the  kingdom  ?  And  Saul 
eyed  David  from  that  day  and  forward. 

And  Saul  sought  to  smite  David  even  to  the  wall  with 
the  spear;  but  he  slipped  away  out  of  SauPs  presence, 


Narratives  71 


and  he  smote  the  spear  into  the  wall :  and  David  fled,  and 
escaped  that  night. 

David  therefore  departed  thence,  and  escaped  to  the 
cave  of  Adullam:  and  when  his  brethren  and  all  his 
father's  house  heard  it,  they  went  down  thither  to  him. 
And  every  one  that  was  in  distress,  and  every  one  that 
was  in  debt,  and  every  one  that  was  discontented,  gath- 
ered themselves  unto  him;  and  he  became  captain  over 
them:  and  there  were  with  him  about  four  hundred  men. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Saul  was  returned  from  fol- 
lowing the  Philistines,  that  it  was  told  him,  saying.  Be- 
hold, David  is  in  the  wilderness  of  En-gedi.  Then  Saul 
took  three  thousand  chosen  men  out  of  all  Israel,  and 
went  to  seek  David  and  his  men  upon  the  rocks  of  the 
wild  goats.  And  he  came  to  the  sheepcotes  by  the  way, 
where  was  a  cave;  and  Saul  went  in  to  cover  his  feet. 
Now  David  and  his  men  were  abiding  in  the  innermost 
parts  of  the  cave.  And  the  men  of  David  said  unto  him. 
Behold,  the  day  of  which  Jehovah  said  unto  thee.  Behold, 
I  will  deliver  thine  enemy  into  thy  hand,  and  thou  shalt 
do  to  him  as  it  shall  seem  good  unto  thee.  Then  David 
arose,  and  cut  off  the  skirt  of  Saul's  robe  privily.  And 
it  came  to  pass  afterward,  that  David's  heart  smote  him, 
because  he  had  cut  off  Saul's  skirt.  And  he  said  unto 
his  men,  Jehovah  forbid  that  I  should  do  this  thing  unto 
my  lord,  Jehovah's  anointed,  to  put  forth  my  hand 
against  him,  seeing  he  is  Jehovah's  anointed.  So  David 
checked  his  men  with  these  words,  and  suffered  them  not 
to  rise  against  Saul.  And  Saul  rose  up  out  of  the  cave, 
and  went  on  his  way. 

/  Samuel  18 :5-9 ;  19 :10 ;  22  :l-2 ;  24?  :l-7 


72  Morning  Readings 

We  offer  up  unto  Thee  our  prayers  and  intercessions, 
for  those  especially  who  have  in  any  matter  hurt,  grieved 
or  found  fault  with  us,  or  who  have  done  us  any  damage 
or  displeasure. 

For  all  those  also  whom,  at  any  time,  we  may  have 
vexed,  troubled,  burdened  and  scandalized,  by  words  or 
deeds,  knowingly  or  in  ignorance;  that  Thou  wouldst 
grant  us  all  equally  pardon  for  our  sins,  and  for  our  of- 
fenses against  each  other. 

Take  away  from  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  all  suspicious- 
ness, indignation,  wrath,  and  contention,  and  whatsoever 
may  hurt  charity,  and  lessen  brotherly  love. 

Have  mercy,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  on  those  that  crave 
thy  mercy,  give  grace  unto  them  that  stand  in  need  there- 
of, and  make  us  such  as  that  we  may  be  worthy  to  enjoy 
Thy  grace,  and  go  forward  to  life  eternal — Amen. 

Thomas  a  Kempis  (1379-1471) 


^oto  DatoiD  §)pareD  l^i$  OBnemp 

'Jf^AVID  also  arose  afterward,  and  went  out  of  the 
^^cave,  and  cried  after  Saul,  saying.  My  lord  the  king. 
And  when  Saul  looked  behind  him,  David  bowed  with  his 
face  to  the  earth,  and  did  obeisance.  And  David  said 
to  Saul,  Wherefore  hearkenest  thou  to  men's  words,  say- 
ing. Behold,  David  seeketh  thy  hurt.?  Behold,  this  day 
thine  eyes  have  seen  how  that  Jehovah  had  delivered  thee 
to-day  into  my  hand  in  the  cave:  and  some  bade  me  kill 
thee ;  but  mine  eye  spared  thee ;  and  I  said,  I  will  not  put 


Narratives  73 


forth  my  hand  against  my  lord;  for  he  is  Jehovah's 
anointed.  Moreover,  my  father,  see,  yea,  see  the  skirt 
of  thy  robe  in  my  hand;  for  in  that  I  cut  off  the  skirt 
of  thy  robe,  and  killed  thee  not,  know  thou  and  see  that 
there  is  neither  evil  nor  transgression  in  my  hand,  and  I 
have  not  sinned  against  thee,  though  thou  huntest  after 
my  life  to  take  it.  Jehovah  judge  between  me  and  thee, 
and  Jehovah  avenge  me  of  thee;  but  my  hand  shall  not 
be  upon  thee. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  David  had  made  an  end 
of  speaking  these  words  unto  Saul,  that  Saul  said.  Is 
this  thy  voice,  my  son  David?  And  Saul  lifted  up  his 
voice,  and  wept.  And  he  said  to  David,  Thou  art  more 
righteous  than  I ;  for  thou  hast  rendered  unto  me  good, 
whereas  I  have  rendered  unto  thee  evil.  And  thou  hast 
declared  this  day  how  that  thou  hast  dealt  well  with  me, 
forasmuch  as  when  Jehovah  had  delivered  me  up  into 
thy  hand,  thou  killedst  me  not.  For  if  a  man  find  his 
enemy,  will  he  let  him  go  well  away.^^  wherefore  Jehovah 
reward  thee  good  for  that  which  thou  hast  done  unto 
me  this  day. 

And  now,  behold,  I  know  that  thou  shalt  surely  be 
king,  and  that  the  kingdom  of  Israel  shall  be  established 
in  thy  hand. 

/  Samiiel  24 :8-20 

Father  of  all:  we  all  are  dear  to  Thee.  Yet  we  are 
selfish,  short-sighted,  petty,  continually  tempted  to  be 
mean.  Partly  through  our  fault;  partly  through  the 
fault  of  others,  we  clash  with  them,  and  they  with  us ; 
and  they  become  our  enemies. 


74  Morning  Readings 

In  so  far  as  their  enmity  is  due  to  any  fault  of  ours, 
may  we  promptly  humble  ourselves,  ask  their  forgive- 
ness, and  do  our  best  to  make  amends.  May  we  count 
no  humiliation  or  sacrifice  too  great  a  price  to  pay  for 
the  restoration  of  good-will  whenever  by  any  act  of  ours, 
whether  of  omission  or  commission,  it  has  been  forfeited. 
May  we  remember  we  cannot  be  right  with  Thee,  so  long 
as  we  are  wrong  towards  any  of  Thy  children. 

When  others  are  at  fault;  when  they  hate  us  without 
cause ;  when  they  persist  in  wronging  us ;  when  they  mis- 
represent as  evil  the  good  we  try  to  do ;  while  we  defend 
our  rights  with  firmness,  may  we  be  free  from  personal 
bitterness.  May  we  never  forget  that  our  enemy  is  more 
than  his  wrong  attitude  toward  us  ;  may  we  remember  that 
he  is  Thy  child,  our  brother;  still  has  some  good  quali- 
ties, and  is  capable  of  more.  Thus  even  when  compelled 
to  oppose  him,  may  we  in  courtesy  and  kindness  show 
ourselves  a  friend  to  his  better  self;  and  win  or  at  least 
deserve  the  restoration  of  his  esteem. — Amen.* 

William  De  Witt  Hyde 


JKfng  @)Olomon'0  Dream 

3N  Gibeon  Jehovah  appeared  to  Solomon  in  a  dream 
by  night;  and  God  said.  Ask  what  I  shall  give  thee. 
And  Solomon  said.  Thou  hast  showed  unto  thy  servant 

*  From  Abba  Father,  by  William  De  Witt  Hyde.    Copyright,  1908, 
by  Fleming  H.  Revell  Company. 


Narratives  75 


David  my  father  great  lovingkindness,  according  as  he 
walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and  in  righteousness,  and  in 
uprightness  of  heart  with  thee;  and  thou  hast  kept  for 
him  this  great  lovingkindness,  that  thou  hast  given  him 
a  son  to  sit  on  his  throne,  as  it  is  this  day.     And  -now, 

0  Jehovah  my  God,  thou  hast  made  thy  servant  king  in- 
stead of  David  my  father:  and  I  am  but  a  little  child; 

1  know  not  how  to  go  out  or  come  in.  And  thy  servant 
is  in  the  midst  of  thy  people  which  thou  hast  chosen,  a 
great  people,  that  cannot  be  numbered  nor  counted  for 
multitude.  Give  thy  servant  therefore  an  understand- 
ing heart  to  judge  thy  people,  that  I  may  discern  be- 
tween good  and  evil;  for  who  is  able  to  judge  this  thy 
great  people? 

And  the  speech  pleased  the  Lord,  that  Solomon  had 
asked  this  thing.  And  God  said  unto  him.  Because  thou 
hast  asked  this  thing,  and  hast  not  asked  for  thyself 
long  life,  neither  hast  asked  riches  for  thyself,  nor  hast 
asked  the  life  of  thine  enemies,  but  hast  asked  for  thy- 
self understanding  to  discern  justice;  behold,  I  have  done 
according  to  thy  word:  lo,  I  have  given  thee  a  wise  and 
an  understanding  heart ;  so  that  there  hath  been  none  like 
thee  before  thee,  neither  after  thee  shall  any  arise  like 
unto  thee.  And  I  have  also  given  thee  that  which  thou 
hast  not  asked,  both  riches  and  honor,  so  that  there  shall 
not  be  any  among  the  kings  like  unto  thee,  all  thy  days. 
And  if  thou  wilt  walk  in  my  ways,  to  keep  my  statutes 
and  my  commandments,  as  thy  father  David  did  walk, 
then  I  will  lengthen  thy  days.  And  Solomon  awoke; 
and,  behold,  it  was  a  dream:  and  he  came  to  Jerusalem, 


76  Morning  Readings 

and  stood  before  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  Jehovah,  and 
offered  up  burnt-oiferings,  and  offered  peace-offerings, 
and  made  a  feast  to  all  liis  servants. 

I  Kings  3:5-15 

O  Lord  our  God,  teach  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  to  ask 
Thee  aright  for  the  right  blessings.  Steer  Thou  the 
vessel  of  our  life  toward  Thyself,  Thou  tranquil  Haven 
of  all  storm-tossed  souls.  Show  us  the  course  wherein 
we  should  go.  Renew  a  willing  spirit  within  us.  Let 
Thy  Spirit  curb  our  wayward  senses,  and  guide  and  en- 
able us  unto  that  which  is  our  true  good, — to  keep  Thy 
laws,  and  in  all  our  works  evermore  to  rejoice  in  Thy 
glorious  and  gladdening  Presence.  For  Thine  is  the 
glory  and  praise  from  all  Thy  saints  for  ever  and  ever. — 
Amen. 

St.  Basa  (329-379) 

Cfte  ^anDtoriting  on  tfte  mull 

3JJELSHAZZAR  the  king  made  a  great  feast  to  a 
?^thousand  of  his  lords,  and  drank  wine  before  the 
thousand.  Belshazzar,  while  he  tasted  the  wine,  com- 
manded to  bring  the  golden  and  silver  vessels  which 
Nebuchadnezzar  his  father  had  taken  out  of  the  temple 
which  was  in  Jerusalem;  that  the  king  and  his  lords,  his 
wives  and  his  concubines,  might  drink  therefrom.  Then 
they  brought  the  golden  vessels  that  were  taken  out  of 
the  temple  of  the  house  of  God  which  was  at  Jerusalem; 
and  the  king  and  his  lords,  his  wives  and  his  concubines, 


Narratives  77 


drank  from  them.  They  drank  wine,  and  praised  the 
gods  of  gold,  and  of  silver,  of  brass,  of  iron,  of  wood, 
and  of  stone. 

In  the  same  hour  came  forth  the  fingers  of  a  man's  hand, 
and  wrote  over  against  the  candlestick  upon  the  plaster 
of  the  wall  of  the  king's  palace:  and  the  king  saw  the 
part  of  the  hand  that  wrote.  Then  the  king's  counte- 
nance was  changed  in  him,  and  his  thoughts  troubled 
him;  and  the  joints  of  his  loins  were  loosed,  and  his  knees 
smote  one  against  another.  The  king  cried  aloud  to 
bring  in  the  enchanters,  the  Chaldeans,  and  the  sooth- 
sayers. The  king  spake  and  said  to  the  wise  men  of 
Babylon,  Whosoever  shall  read  this  writing,  and  show  me 
the  interpretation  thereof,  shall  be  clothed  with  purple, 
and  have  a  chain  of  gold  about  his  neck,  and  shall  be 
the  third  ruler  in  the  kingdom.  Then  came  in  all  the 
king's  wise  men ;  but  they  could  not  read  the  writing,  nor 
make  known  to  the  king  the  interpretation.  Then  was 
king  Belshazzar  greatly  troubled,  and  his  countenance 
was  changed  in  him,  and  his  lords  were  perplexed. 

Daniel  5  :l-9 

O  Lord,  we  thank  thee  for  a  day  so  sweet  and  fair  as 
this,  when  the  trees  lift  up  their  hands  in  a  psalm  of 
gratitude  to  thee,  and  every  little  flower  that  opens  its 
cup  and  every  wandering  bird  seem  filled  by  thy  spirit, 
and  grateful  to  thee.  We  thank  thee  for  all  thine  hand- 
writings of  revelation  on  the  walls  of  the  world,  on  the 
heavens  above  us  and  the  ground  beneath,  and  all  the 
testimonies  recorded  there  of  thy  presence,  thy  power, 
thy  justice  and  thy  love. 


78  Morning  Readings 

We  thank  thee  for  thy  loving  kindness  and  thy  ten- 
der mercy,  which  are  over  all  thy  works,  and  where  we 
cannot  see,  save  through  a  glass  darkly,  we  will  still 
trust  thee,  with  infinite  longing  which  casteth  out  every 
fear. — ^Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 

Daniel  'IStougftt  to  interpret 

^^OW  the  queen  by  reason  of  the  words  of  the  king 
J^^and  his  lords  came  into  the  banquet  house :  the  queen 
spake  and  said,  O  king,  live  for  ever ;  let  not  thy  thoughts 
trouble  thee,  nor  let  thy  countenance  be  changed.  There 
is  a  man  in  thy  kingdom,  in  whom  is  the  spirit  of  the 
holy  gods;  and  in  the  days  of  thy  father  light  and  un- 
derstanding and  wisdom,  like  the  wisdom  of  the  gods, 
were  found  in  him;  and  the  king  Nebuchadnezzar  thy 
father,  the  king,  I  say,  thy  father,  made  him  master  of 
the  magicians,  enchanters,  Chaldeans,  and  soothsayers; 
forasmuch  as  an  excellent  spirit,  and  knowledge,  and 
understanding,  interpreting  of  dreams,  and  showing  of 
dark  sentences,  and  dissolving  of  doubts,  were  found  in 
the  same  Daniel,  whom  the  king  named  Belteshazzar. 
Now  let  Daniel  be  called,  and  he  will  show  the  interpre- 
tation. 

Then  was  Daniel  brought  in  before  the  king.  The 
king  spake  and  said  unto  Daniel,  Art  thou  that  Daniel 
who  art  of  the  children  of  the  captivity  of  Judah,  whom 
the  king  my  father  brought  out  of  Judah.''  I  have 
heard  of  thee,  that  thou  canst  give  interpretations,  and 


Narratives  79 


dissolve  doubts:  now  if  thou  canst  read  the  writing,  and 
make  known  to  me  the  interpretation  thereof,  thou  shalt 
be  clothed  with  purple,  and  have  a  chain  of  gold  about 
thy  neck,  and  shalt  be  the  third  ruler  in  the  kingdom. 

Then  Daniel  answered  and  said  before  the  king.  Let 
thy  gifts  be  to  thyself,  and  give  thy  rewards  to  another; 
nevertheless  I  will  read  the  writing  unto  the  king,  and 
make  known  to  him  the  interpretation. 

Daniel  5:10-13,  16,  17 

0  Lord,  who  hast  brought  us  through  the  darkness  of 
night  to  the  light  of  the  morning,  and  who  by  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  dost  illumine  the  darkness  of  ignorance  and  sin; 
we  beseech  Thee,  of  Thy  loving  kindness,  to  pour  Thy 
holy  light  into  our  souls,  that  we  may  ever  be  devoted  to 
Thee  by  whose  wisdom  we  were  created,  by  whose  mercy 
we  were  redeemed,  and  by  whose  Providence  we  are  gov- 
erned,— ^Amen. 

Book  of  Hours  (1865) 

m 
Cfie  Sntetpretation  of  tfie  lajtttinff 

^If^EN  Daniel  answered  and  said  before  the  king.  Let 
^^thy  gifts  be  to  thyself,  and  give  thy  rewards  to  an- 
other; nevertheless  I  will  read  the  writing  unto  the  king, 
and  make  known  to  him  the  interpretation. 

O  thou  king,  the  Most  High  God  gave  Nebuchadnezzar 
thy  father  the  kingdom,  and  greatness,  and  glory,  and 
majesty:  and  because  of  the  greatness  that  he  gave  him, 


80  Morning  Readings 

all  the  peoples,  nations,  and  languages  trembled  and 
feared  before  him:  whom  he  would  he  slew,  and  whom  he 
would  he  kept  alive;  and  whom  he  would  he  raised  up, 
and  whom  he  would  he  put  down.  But  when  his  heart 
was  lifted  up,  and  his  spirit  was  hardened  so  that  he 
dealt  proudly,  he  was  deposed  from  his  kingly  throne, 
and  they  took  his  glory  from  him:  and  he  was  driven 
from  the  sons  of  men,  and  his  heart  was  made  like  the 
beasts',  and  his  dwelling  was  with  the  wild  asses ;  he  was 
fed  with  grass  like  oxen,  and  his  body  was  wet  with 
the  dew  of  heaven ;  until  he  knew  that  the  Most  High  God 
ruleth  in  the  kingdom  of  men,  and  that  he  setteth  up 
over  it  whomsoever  he  will.  And  thou  his  son,  O  Bel- 
shazzar,  hast  not  humbled  thy  heart,  though  thou  knew- 
est  all  this,  but  hast  lifted  up  thyself  against  the  Lord 
of  heaven ;  and  they  have  brought  the  vessels  of  his  house 
before  thee,  and  thou  and  thy  lords,  thy  wives  and  thy 
concubines,  have  drunk  wine  from  them;  and  thou  hast 
praised  the  gods  of  silver  and  gold,  of  brass,  iron,  wood, 
and  stone,  which  see  not,  nor  hear,  nor  know;  and  the 
God  in  whose  hand  thy  breath  is,  and  whose  are  all  thy 
ways,  hast  thou  not  glorified.  Then  was  the  part  of  the 
hand  sent  from  before  him,  and  this  writing  was  in- 
scribed. 

And  this  is  the  writing  that  was  inscribed:  mene, 
MENE,  TEKEL,  UPHARSIN  (numbered,  numbered,  weighed 
and  divided). 

This  is  the  interpretation  of  the  thing:  "Numbered"; 
God  hath  numbered  thy  kingdom,  and  brought  it  to  an 
end.     "Weighed" ;  thou  art  weighed  in  the  balances,  and 


Narratives  81 


art  found  wanting.     "Divided";  thy  kingdom  is  divided, 
and  given  to  the  Medes  and  Persians. 

Then  commanded  Belshazzar,  and  they  clothed  Daniel 
with  purple,  and  put  a  chain  of  gold  about  his  neck,  and 
made  proclamation  concerning  him,  that  he  should  be 
the  third  ruler  in  the  kingdom. 

In  that  night  Belshazzar  the  Chaldean  king  was  slain. 
And  Darius  the  Mede  received  the  kingdom,  being  about 
threescore  and  two  years  old. 

Daniel  5:17-31 

Lord  of  all,  whose  balance  trieth  the  nations,  to  lift 
up  or  to  cast  down ;  Thou  hast  planted  us,  as  a  people,  in 
quiet  resting-places,  and  stretched  out  our  branches  over 
the  sea,  and  laid  upon  us  a  mighty  trust.  Never  through 
vain  conceit  may  we  be  blind  to  the  unchanging  condi- 
tions of  Thy  blessing.  The  world  and  its  fulness  are 
Thine:  our  portion  thereof  may  we  hold,  not  in  wanton 
self-will,  but  reverently,  as  of  Thee ;  making  it  the  strong- 
hold of  right,  the  refuge  of  the  oppressed,  and  the  mod- 
erator of  lawless  ambition.  .  .  .  Make  all  who  speak 
or  act  for  this  nation  true  organs  of  Thine  equity,  that 
through  their  wisdom  and  faithfulness  Thou  mayest  be 
our  Lawgiver  and  Judge.  And  let  it  be  that,  as  with 
the  people  so  with  the  chiefs,  as  with  the  servants  so  with 
the  master,  as  with  the  buyer  so  with  the  seller,  all  may 
know  Thee  as  weighing  the  path  of  the  just;  that  right- 
eousness may  be  the  girdle  of  our  power. — ^Amen. 

James  Martvneau  (1805-1900) 


82  Morning  Readings 

rt 
Cfte  Con0piracg  9gam0t  Daniel 

3T  pleased  Darius  to  set  over  the  kingdom  a  hundred 
and  twenty  satraps,  who  should  be  throughout  the 
whole  kingdom ;  and  over  them  three  presidents,  of  whom 
Daniel  was  one;  that  these  satraps  might  give  account 
unto  them,  and  that  the  king  should  have  no  damage. 
Then  this  Daniel  was  distinguished  above  the  presidents 
and  the  satraps,  because  an  excellent  spirit  was  in  him; 
and  the  king  thought  to  set  him  over  the  whole  realm. 

Then  the  presidents  and  the  satraps  sought  to  find 
occasion  against  Daniel  as  touching  the  kingdom;  but 
they  could  find  no  occasion  nor  fault,  forasmuch  as  he 
was  faithful,  neither  was  there  any  error  or  fault  found 
in  him.  Then  said  these  men.  We  shall  not  find  any 
occasion  against  this  Daniel,  except  we  find  it  against 
him  concerning  the  law  of  his  God.  Then  these  presi- 
dents and  satraps  assembled  together  to  the  king,  and 
said  thus  unto  him.  King  Darius,  live  for  ever.  All  the 
presidents  of  the  kingdom,  the  deputies  and  the  satraps, 
the  counsellors  and  the  governors,  have  consulted  to- 
gether to  establish  a  royal  statute,  and  to  make  a  strong 
interdict,  that  whosoever  shall  ask  a  petition  of  any  god 
or  man  for  thirty  days,  save  of  thee,  O  king,  he  shall  be 
cast  into  the  den  of  lions.  Now,  O  king,  establish  the 
interdict,  and  sign  the  writing,  that  it  be  not  changed, 
according  to  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Persians,  which 
altereth  not.  Wherefore  king  Darius  signed  the  writ- 
ing and  the  interdict.  Pa^ii^Z  6:1-9      ' 


Narratives  83 


Almighty  and  merciful  God,  who  dost  grant  unto  Thy 
faithful  people  the  grace  to  make  every  path  of  life  tem- 
poral the  straight  and  narrow  way  which  leadeth  unto 
life  eternal,  grant  that  we,  who  know  that  we  have  no 
strength  as  of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves,  and  therefore 
do  put  all  our  trust  in  Thine  almighty  power,  nay,  by 
the  assistance  of  Thy  heavenly  grace,  always  prevail  in 
all  things,  against  whatsoever  shall  arise  to  fight  against 
us. — Amen. 

Roman  Breviary 


Cfie  Den  of  Lions 

/WND  when  Daniel  knew  that  the  writing  was  signed, 
'^^he  went  into  his  house  (now  his  windows  were  open 
in  his  chamber  toward  Jerusalem)  ;  and  he  kneeled  upon 
his  knees  three  times  a  day,  and  prayed,  and  gave  thanks 
before  his  God,  as  he  did  aforetime.  Then  these  men 
assembled  together,  and  found  Daniel  making  petition  and 
supplication  before  his  God.  Then  they  came  near,  and 
spake  before  the  king  concerning  the  king's  interdict: 
Hast  thou  not  signed  an  interdict,  that  every  man  that 
shall  make  petition  unto  any  god  or  man  within  thirty 
days,  save  unto  thee,  O  king,  shall  be  cast  into  the  den 
of  lions  ?  The  king  answered  and  said.  The  thing  is  true, 
according  to  the  law  of  the  Medes  and  Persians,  which 
altereth  not.  Then  answered  they  and  said  before  the 
king.  That  Daniel,  who  is  of  the  children  of  the  captivity 
of  Judah,  regardeth  not  thee,  O  king,  nor  the  interdict 
that  thou  hast  signed,  but  maketh  his  petition  three  times 


84*  Mommg  Readings 

a  day.  Then  the  king,  when  he  heard  these  words,  was 
sore  displeased,  and  set  his  heart  on  Daniel  to  deliver 
him;  and  he  labored  till  the  going  down  of  the  sun  to 
rescue  him.  Then  these  men  assembled  together  unto  the 
king,  and  said  unto  the  king,  Know,  O  king,  that  it  is  a 
law  of  the  Medes  and  Persians,  that  no  interdict  nor 
statute  which  the  king  establisheth  may  be  changed. 

Then  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought  Daniel, 
and  cast  him  into  the  den  of  lions.  Now  the  king  spake 
and  said  unto  Daniel,  Thy  God  whom  thou  servest  con- 
tinually, he  will  deliver  thee. 

Then  the  king  went  to  his  palace,  and  passed  the  night 
fasting;  neither  were  instruments  of  music  brought  be- 
fore him :  and  his  sleep  fled  from  him. 

Daniel  6:10-16,  18 

Deliver  us,  O  merciful  God,  from  the  evils  of  this  day, 
and  guide  our  feet  in  the  ways  of  peace.  Strengthen 
our  resolutions  to  embrace  with  gladness  all  opportuni- 
ties of  doing  good,  and  carefully  to  avoid  all  occasions 
of  sin,  especially  those  which  we  have  found  by  experi- 
ence to  be  most  dangerous  to  our  souls ;  and  when,  through 
frailty,  we  forget  Thee,  do  Thou  in  Thy  mercy  remem- 
ber us;  that  as  we  often  fall  by  the  inclination  of  our 
nature,  we  may  instantly  rise  again  by  the  assistance 
of  Thy  grace.  Make  us  diligent  in  our  calling  and  state 
of  life,  and  not  too  solicitous  for  the  success  of  our  af- 
fairs; but  in  all  the  miscarriages  and  crosses  of  this 
world,  absolutely  submit  to  the  divine  pleasure,  and 
wholly  rely  on  Thy  merciful  providence.  Let  Thy  bless- 
ing be  upon  our  actions,  and  Thy  grace  direct  our  in- 


Narratives  85 


tentions ;  that  the  whole  course  of  our  lives,  and  the 
principal  designs  of  our  hearts,  may  always  tend  to  the 
advancement  of  Thy  glory,  the  good  of  others,  and  the 
eternal  salvation  of  our  own  souls. — Amen. 

Key  of  Heaven 

Danier0  Delitietance 

^tf'HEN  the  king  arose  very  early  in  the  morning,  and 
^^went  in  haste  unto  the  den  of  lions.  And  when  he 
came  near  unto  the  den  to  Daniel,  he  cried  with  a  lament- 
able voice;  the  king  spake  and  said  to  Daniel,  O  Daniel, 
servant  of  the  living  God,  is  thy  God,  whom  thou  servest 
continually,  able  to  deliver  thee  from  the  lions?  Then 
said  Daniel  unto  the  king,  O  king,  live  for  ever.  My 
God  hath  sent  his  angel,  and  hath  shut  the  lions'  mouths, 
and  they  have  not  hurt  me;  forasmuch  as  before  him 
innocency  was  found  in  me;  and  also  before  thee,  0  king, 
have  I  done  no  hurt.  ^^  i  was  the  king  exceeding  glad, 
and  commanded  that  they  should  take  Daniel  up  out  of 
the  den.  So  Daniel  was  taken  up  out  of  the  den,  and 
no  manner  of  hurt  was  found  upon  him,  because  he  had 
trusted  in  his  God. 

Then  king  Darius  wrote  unto  all  the  peoples,  nations, 
and  languages,  that  dwell  in  all  the  earth:  Peace  be  mul- 
tiplied unto  you.  I  make  a  decree,  that  in  all  the  do- 
minion of  my  kingdom  men  tremble  and  fear  before  the 
God  of  Daniel;  for  he  is  the  living  God,  and  stedfast 
for  ever,  and  his  kingdom  that  which  shall  not  be  de- 
stroyed; and  his  dominion  shall  be  even  unto  the  end. 


86  Morning  Readings 

He  delivereth  and  rescueth,  and  he  worketh  signs  and 
wonders  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  who  hath  delivered  Dan- 
iel from  the  power  of  the  lions. 

Daniel  6:19-23,  25-27 

Blessed  are  all  Thy  saints,  our  God  and  King,  who 
have  travelled  over  the  tempestuous  sea  of  mortality,  and 
have  at  last  made  the  desired  port  of  peace  and  felicity. 
Oh,  cast  a  gracious  eye  upon  us  who  are  still  in  our  dan- 
gerous voyage.  Remember  and  succor  us  in  our  dis- 
tress, and  think  on  them  that  lie  exposed  to  the  rough 
storms  of  troubles  and  temptations.  Strengthen  our 
weakness,  that  we  may  do  valiantly  in  this  spiritual  war; 
help  us  against  our  own  negligence  and  cowardice,  and 
defend  us  from  the  treachery  of  our  unfaithful  hearts. 
We  are  exceeding  frail,  and  indisposed  to  every  virtuous 
and  gallant  undertaking.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  we  may 
bring  our  vessel  safe  to  shore,  unto  our  desired  haven. — 
Amen. 

6v,  Augustine  (354-430) 


in 


30 

Cfie  Cen  Commantimenw 

^WND  God  spake  all  these  words,  saying, 

^^    I  am  Jehovah  thy  God,  who  brought  thee  out  of 

the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of  bondage. 

Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  a  graven  image,  nor 
any  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that 
is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the 
earth:  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  unto  them,  nor 
serve  them;  for  I  Jehovah  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God, 
visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children, 
upon  the  third  and  upon  the  fourth  generation  of  them 
that  hate  me,  and  showing  lovingkindness  unto  thousands 
of  them  that  love  me  and  keep  my  commandments. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  Jehovah  thy  God  in 
vain ;  for  Jehovah  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh 
his  name  in  vain. 

Remember  the  sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days 
shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work;  but  the  seventh 
day  is  a  sabbath  unto  Jehovah  thy  God :  in  it  thou  shalt 
not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter, 
thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle, 
nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates. 

Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may 
be  long  in  the  land  which  Jehovah  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

89 


90  Morning  Readings 

Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy  neigh- 
bor. 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house,  thou  shalt 
not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  servants,  nor  his 
cattle,  nor  anything  that  is  thy  neighbor's. 

Exodus  SO  :l-9,  12-17 

0  Lord,  make  Thy  law,  we  entreat  Thee,  our  delight. 
Plant  in  our  hearts  love  which  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law. 
Teach  us  to  love  Thee  with  our  whole  will  and  being,  and 
our  neighbor  as  ourselves.  Keep  us  from  dividing  Thy 
commandments  into  great  and  small,  according  to  our 
own  blind  estimate ;  but  give  us  grace  humbly  to  acknowl- 
edge that  whoso  transgresseth  in  one  point  is  guilty  of 
the  whole  law. — ^Amen. 

Christina  G.  Rossetti  (1860-1894) 

31 

@>un6rp  CommanDment0 

(pjfND  Jehovah  spake  unto  Moses,  saying.  Speak  unto 
'^^all  the  congregation  of  the  children  of  Israel,  and  say 
unto  them.  Ye  shall  be  holy ;  for  I  Jehovah  your  God  am 
lioly.  Ye  shall  fear  every  man  his  mother,  and  his 
father ;  and  ye  shall  keep  my  sabbaths :  I  am  Jehovah 
your  God.  Turn  ye  not  unto  idols,  nor  make  to  your- 
selves molten  gods:  I  am  Jehovah  your  God. 

And  when  ye  reap  the  harvest  of  your  land,  thou  shalt 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  91 

not  wholly  reap  the  comers  of  thy  field,  neither  shalt 
thou  gather  the  gleaning  of  thy  harvest.  And  thou  shalt 
not  glean  thy  vineyard,  neither  shalt  thou  gather  the 
fallen  fruit  of  thy  vineyard;  thou  shalt  leave  them  for 
the  poor  and  for  the  sojourner:  I  am  Jehovah  your  God. 

Ye  shall  not  steal ;  neither  shall  ye  deal  falsely,  nor 
lie  one  to  another.  And  ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name 
falsely,  and  profane  the  name  of  thy  God ;  I  am  Jehovah. 

Thou  shalt  not  oppress  thy  neighbor,  nor  rob  him: 
the  wages  of  a  hired  servant  shall  not  abide  with  thee 
all  night  until  the  morning.  Thou  shalt  not  curse  the 
deaf,  nor  put  a  stumbling  block  before  the  blind;  but 
thou  shalt  fear  thy  God:  I  am  Jehovah. 

Ye  shall  do  no  unrighteousness  in  judgment:  thou  shalt 
not  respect  the  person  of  the  poor,  nor  honor  the  person 
of  the  mighty;  but  in  righteousness  shalt  thou  judge  thy 
neighbor.  Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down  as  a  tale- 
bearer among  thy  people:  neither  shalt  thou  stand 
against  the  blood  of  thy  neighbor:  I  am  Jehovah. 

Thou  shalt  not  hate  thy  brother  in  thy  heart:  thou 
shalt  surely  rebuke  thy  neighbor,  and  not  bear  sin  be- 
cause of  him.  Thou  shalt  not  take  vengeance,  nor  bear 
any  grudge  against  the  children  of  thy  people;  but  thou 
shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

Leviticus  19:1-4,  9-18 

Lord,  may  we  keep  the  law  which  day  by  day  Thou 
writest  eternally  in  our  flesh  and  in  our  soul,  and  serve 
Thee  with  every  limb  of  our  body,  with  our  spirit's  every 
faculty,  and  whatsoever  power  we  gain  over  matter  or 
over  man.     In  us  may  there  be  such  love  and  such  trust 


Morning  Readings 


in  Thee  that  we  shall  keep  every  law,  do  every  duty,  and 
make  ourselves  in  Thy  sight  as  fair  as  the  flowers  on 
earth,  or  the  stars  in  heaven.  May  no  unclean  thing 
stain  our  hands,  no  wicked  feeling  despoil  us  of  beauty 
within  our  hearts,  and  may  we  love  our  brothers  as  our- 
selves, and  Thee  above  all.  Thus  from  the  baby-bud, 
whereinto  we  were  born,  may  we  open  the  great  manly 
and  womanly  glory  of  the  flower  of  earthly  life,  and  bear 
fruit  of  eternal  life  in  Thy  kingdom  of  Heaven.  So,  day 
by  day,  may  Thy  kingdom  come,  and  Thy  will  be  done 
on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. — ^Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 

©oD  l^att)  S)!)otoeD  00  J^i0  (©lorg       ^ 

/WND  Moses  called  unto  all  Israel,  and  said  unto  them, 
<*^Hear,  <0  Israel,  the  statutes  and  the  ordinances 
which  I  speak  in  your  ears  this  day,  that  ye  may  learn 
them,  and  observe  to  do  them. 

For,  as  ye  have  said.  Behold,  Jehovah  our  God  hath 
showed  us  his  glory  and  his  greatness,  and  we  have  heard 
his  voice  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire:  we  have  seen  this 
day  that  God  doth  speak  with  man,  and  he  liveth. 

For  who  is  there  of  all  flesh,  that  hath  heard  the  voice 
of  the  living  God  speaking  out  of  the  midst  of  the  fire,  as 
we  have,  and  lived?  Go  thou  near,  and  hear  all  that 
Jehovah  our  God  shall  say:  and  speak  thou  unto  us  all 
that  Jehovah  our  God  shall  speak  unto  thee;  and  we  will 
hear  it,  and  do  it. 

And  Jehovah  heard  the  voice  of  your  words,  when  ye 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  93 

spake  unto  me;  and  Jehovah  said  unto  me,  I  ha"^e  heard 
the  voice  of  the  words  of  this  people,  which  they  have 
spoken  unto  thee:  they  have  well  said  all  that  they  have 
spoken. 

Oh  that  there  were  such  a  heart  in  them,  that  they 
would  fear  and  keep  all  my  commandments  always,  that 
it  might  be  well  with  them,  and  with  their  children  for 
ever. 

Ye  shall  observe  to  do  therefore  as  Jehovah  your  God 
hath  commanded  you :  ye  shall  not  turn  aside  to  the  right 
hand  or  to  the  l^ft.  Ye  shall  walk  in  all  the  way  whichi 
Jehovah  your  God  hath  commanded  you,  that  ye  may 
live,  and  that  it  may  be  well  with  you,  and  that  ye  may 
prolong  your  days  in  the  land  which  ye  shall  possess.: 
Deuteronomy  5  :1,  M,  26-29,  32,  33 

0  God,  the  Source  of  perfect  blessedness,  who  idost 
teach  Thy  faithful  ones  to  walk  in  Thy  laws,  to 
search  Thy  testimonies,  to  keep  Thy  commands;  grant 
unto  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  Thy  righteousness,  that  we 
may  seek  Thee  with  our  whole  hearts ;  that  we,  who  hith- 
erto have  wandered  like  lost  sheep,  restored  by  Thy  kind 
arms,  may  rejoice  in  the  glories  of  Paradise. — Amen. 

Sanim  Breviary  (1085) 

33 

C{)ou  %\^^\t  Ceaci)  Cftem  to  Cbp  CftilDten 


OW  this  is  the  commandment,  the  statutes,  and  the 
ordinances,  which  Jehovah  your  God  commanded  to 


teach  you,  that  ye  might  do  them  in  the  land  whither 


94i  Morning  Readings 

ye  go  over  to  possess  it ;  that  thou  mightest  fear  Jehovah 
thy  God,  to  keep  all  his  statutes  and  his  commandments, 
wliich  I  command  thee,  thou,  and  thy  son,  and  thy  son's 
son,  all  the  days  of  thy  life;  and  that  thy  days  may  be 
prolonged.  Hear  therefore,  0  Israel,  and  observe  to 
do  it ;  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  that  ye  may  in- 
crease mightily,  as  Jehovah,  the  God  of  thy  fathers,  hath 
promised  unto  thee,  in  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey. 

Hear,  O  Israel:  Jehovah  our  God  is  one  Jehovah:  and 
thou  shalt  love  Jehovah  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  might.  And  these 
words,  which  I  command  thee  this  day,  shall  be  upon  thy 
heart;  and  thou  shalt  teach  them  diligently  unto  thy 
children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  thy 
house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou 
liest  down,  and  when  thou  risest  up. 

When  thy  son  asketh  thee  in  time  to  come,  saying. 
What  mean  the  testimonies,  and  the  statutes,  and  the 
ordinances,  which  Jehovah  our  God  hath  commanded 
you.?  then  thou  shalt  say  unto  thy  son.  We  were  Phara- 
oh's bondmen  in  Egypt:  and  Jehovah  brought  us  out  of 
Egypt  with  a  mighty  hand.  And  it  shall  be  righteous- 
ness unto  us,  if  we  observe  to  do  all  this  commandment 
before  Jehovah  our  God,  as  he  hath  commanded  us. 

Deuteronomy  6:1-7,  20,  21,  25 

Eternal  God,  Thou  uncreate  and  primal  Light,  maker 
of  all  created  things,  fountain  of  pity,  Thou  sea  of 
bounty,  fathomless  deep  of  lovingkindness :  lift  Thou  up 
the  light  of  Thy  countenance  upon  us!     Lord,  shine  in 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  95 

our  hearts,  true  sun  of  righteousness,  and  fill  our  souls 
with  Thy  beauty. 

Teach  us  always  to  keep  in  mind  Thy  judgments, 
and  discourse  of  them,  and  own  Thee  continually  as  our 
Lord  and  friend.  Govern  by  Thy  will  the  works  of  our 
hands ;  and  lead  us  in  the  right  way,  that  we  may  do 
what  is  well-pleasing  and  acceptable  to  Thee,  that 
through  us  unworthy  Thy  holy  name  may  be  glorified. 

To  Thee  alone  be  praise  and  honor  and  worship  eter- 
nally.— Amen. 

St.  Basil  (A,  D.  329-379) 

34 

lest  Cftou  Jforget^ 

^rf'OR  Jehovah  thy  God  bringeth  thee  into  a  good  land, 
fjf  a  land  of  brooks  of  water,  of  fountains  and  springs, 
flowing  forth  in  valleys  and  hills ;  a  land  of  wheat  and 
barley,  and  vines  and  fig-trees  and  pomegranates ;  a  land 
of  olive-trees  and  honey;  a  land  wherein  thou  shalt  eat 
bread  without  scarceness,  thou  shalt  not  lack  anything 
in  it ;  a  land  whose  stones  are  iron,  and  out  of  whose  hills 
thou  mayest  dig  copper.  And  thou  shalt  eat  and  be 
full,  and  thou  shalt  bless  Jehovah  thy  God  for  the  good 
land  which  he  hath  given  thee. 

Beware  lest  thou  forget  Jehovah  thy  God,  in  not  keep- 
ing his  commandments,  and  his  ordinances,  and  his  stat- 
utes, which  I  command  thee  this  day:  lest,  when  thou 
hast  eaten  and  art  full,  and  hast  built  goodly  houses, 


96  Mornmg  Readmgs 

and  dwelt  therein;  and  when  thy  herds  and  thy  flocks 
multiply,  and  thy  silver  and  thy  gold  is  multiplied,  and 
all  that  thou  hast  is  multiplied;  then  thy  heart  be  lifted 
up,  and  thou  forget  Jehovah  thy  God,  who  brought  thee 
forth  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of 
bondage;  and  lest  thou  say  in  thy  heart.  My  power  and 
the  might  of  my  hand  hath  gotten  me  this  wealth.  But 
thou  shalt  remember  Jehovah  thy  God,  for  it  is  he  that 
giveth  thee  power  to  get  wealth;  that  he  may  establish 
his  covenant  wliich  he  sware  unto  thy  fathers,  as  at  this 
day.  And  it  shall  be,  if  thou  shalt  forget  Jehovah  thy 
God,  and  walk  after  other  gods,  and  serve  them,  and  wor- 
ship them,  I  testify  against  you  this  day  that  ye  shall 
surely  perish.  As  the  nations  that  Jehovah  maketh  to 
perish  before  you,  so  shall  ye  perish;  because  ye  would 
not  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  Jehovah  your  God. 

DeuteroTiomy  8:7-14,  17-20 

We  beseech  Thee,  0  our  God,  to  help  us  banish  from 
our  hearts  all  pride  and  vainglory,  all  confidence  in 
worldly  possessions,  all  self-sufficient  leaning  on  our  own 
reason.  Fill  us  with  the  spirit  of  meekness,  and  the 
grace  of  modesty,  that  we  may  become  wise  in  Thy  fear. 
May  we  never  forget  that  all  we  have  and  prize  is  but 
lent  to  us,  a  trust  of  which  we  must  render  an  account  to 
Thee.  We  beseech  Thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  to  put  into 
our  hearts  the  fear  of  Thee,  that  we  may  consecrate  our 
lives  to  Thy  service  and  glorify  Thy  name  in  the  eyes 
of  all  peoples. — ^Amen. 

Jewish  Liturgy 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  97 

35 

m&at  Dott)  C{)p  ©oD  Kequire? 

/WND  now,  Israel,  what  doth  Jehovah  thy  God  require 
^^of  thee,  but  to  fear  Jehovah  thy  God,  to  walk  in  all 
his  ways,  and  to  love  him,  and  to  serve  Jehovah  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart  and  with  all  thy  soul,  to  keep  the  com- 
mandments of  Jehovah,  and  his  statutes,  which  I  com- 
mand thee  this  day  for  thy  good?  Behold,  unto  Je- 
hovah thy  God  belongeth  heaven  and  the  heaven  of  heav- 
ens, the  earth,  with  all  that  is  therein. 

For  Jehovah  your  God,  he  is  God  of  gods,  and  Lord 
of  lords,  the  great  God,  the  mighty,  and  the  terrible,  who 
regardeth  not  persons,  nor  taketh  reward.  He  doth  exe- 
cute justice  for  the  fatherless  and  widow,  and  loveth  the 
sojourner,  in  giving  him  food  and  raiment.  Love  ye 
therefore  the  sojourner;  for  ye  were  sojourners  in  the 
land  of  Egypt.  Thou  shalt  fear  Jehovah  thy  God;  him 
shalt  thou  serve;  and  to  him  shalt  thou  cleave,  and  by 
his  name  shalt  thou  swear.  He  is  thy  praise,  and  he  is 
thy  God,  that  hath  done  for  thee  these  great  and  terrible 
things,  which  thine  eyes  have  seen.  Thy  fathers  went 
down  into  Egypt  with  threescore  and  ten  persons;  and 
now  Jehovah  thy  God  hath  made  thee  as  the  stars  of 
heaven  for  multitude. 

Therefore  thou  shalt  love  Jehovah  thy  God,  and  keep 
his  charge,  and  his  statutes,  and  his  ordinances,  and  his 
commandments,  alway. 

Deuteronomy  10:12-14,  17-22;  11:1 


98  Morning  Readings 

O  God,  who  art,  and  wast,  and  art  to  come,  before 
whose  face  the  generations  rise  and  pass  away ;  age  after 
age  the  living  seek  Thee,  and  find  that  of  Thy  faithful- 
ness there  is  no  end.  Our  fathers  in  their  pilgrimage 
walked  by  Thy  guidance,  and  rested  on  Thy  compassion : 
still  to  their  children  be  Thou  the  cloud  by  day,  the  fire 
by  night.  Where  but  in  Thee  have  we  a  covert  from  the 
storm  or  shadow  from  the  heat  of  life.  In  our  manifold 
temptations.  Thou  alone  knowest  and  art  ever  nigh:  in 
sorrow.  Thy  pity  revives  the  fainting  soul:  in  our  pros- 
perity and  ease,  it  is  Thy  Spirit  only  that  can  wean  us 
from  our  pride  and  keep  us  low.  O  Thou  sole  Source 
of  peace  and  righteousness !  take  now  the  veil  from  every 
heart;  and  join  us  in  one  communion  with  Thy  prophets 
and  saints  who  have  trusted  in  Thee,  and  were  not 
ashamed.  Not  of  our  worthiness,  but  of  Thy  tender 
mercy,  hear  our  prayer. — Amen. 

James  Martineau  (1805-1900) 

36 

3[efiotoa|)'0  ISU^^ins 

(WND  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  ye  shall  hearken  diligently 
<*^unto  my  commandments  which  I  command  you  this 
day,  to  love  Jehovah  your  God,  and  to  serve  him  with  all 
your  heart  and  with  all  your  soul,  that  I  will  give  the 
rain  of  your  land  in  its  season,  the  former  rain  and  the 
latter  rain,  that  thou  mayest  gather  in  thy  grain,  and 
thy  new  wine,  and  thine  oil.  And  I  will  give  grass  in 
thy  fields  for  thy  cattle,  and  thou  shalt  eat  and  be  full. 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  99 

Take  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  your  heart  be  deceived,  and 
ye  turn  aside,  and  serve  other  gods,  and  worship  them; 
and  the  anger  of  Jehovah  be  kindled  against  you,  and 
he  shut  up  the  heavens,  so  that  there  shall  be  no  rain, 
and  the  land  shall  not  yield  its  fruit;  and  ye  perish 
quickly  from  off]  the  good  land  which  Jehovah  giveth 
you. 

Therefore  shall  ye  lay  up  these  my  words  in  your  heart 
and  in  your  soul ;  and  ye  shall  bind  them  for  a  sign  upon 
your  hand,  and  they  shall  be  for  frontlets  between  your 
eyes.  And  ye  shall  teach  them  your  children,  talking 
of  them,  when  thou  sittest  in  thy  house,  and  when  thou 
walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when 
thou  risest  up.  And  thou  shalt  write  them  upon  the 
door-posts  of  thy  house,  and  upon  thy  gates ;  that  your 
days  may  be  multiplied,  and  the  days  of  your  children, 
in  the  land  which  Jehovah  sware  unto  your  fathers  to 
give  them,  as  the  days  of  the  heavens  above  the  earth. 

Deuteronomy  11 :13-21 

Lord,  give  us  hearts  never  to  forget  Thy  love;  but  to 
dwell  therein  whatever  we  do,  whether  we  sleep  or  wake, 
live  or  die,  or  rise  again  to  the  life  that  is  to  come.  For 
Thy  love  is  eternal  life  and  everlasting  rest;  for  this  is 
life  eternal  to  know  Thee  and  Thy  infinite  goodness. 
O  let  its  flame  never  be  quenched  in  our  hearts;  let  it 
grow  and  brighten,  till  our  whole  souls  are  glowing  and 
shining  with  its  light  and  warmth.  Be  Thou  our  Joy 
and  Hope,  our  Strength  and  Life,  our  Shield  and  Shep- 
herd, our  Portion  for  ever.  For  happy  are  we  if  we  con- 
tinue in  the  love  wherewith  Thou  hast  loved  us ;  holy  are 


100  Morning  Readings 

we  when  we  love  Thee  steadfastly.  Therefore  O  Thou, 
WTiose  name  and  essence  is  Love,  enkindle  our  hearts,  en- 
lighten our  understandings,  sanctify  our  wills,  and  fill 
all  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts. — Amen. 

JohannArndt  (1555-1621) 


37 

Cfte  Ctoo  patf)0 

^iP'OR  this  commandment  which  I  command  thee  this 
fjf  day,  it  is  not  too  hard  for  thee,  neither  is  it  far 
off.  It  is  not  in  heaven,  that  thou  shouldest  say,  Who 
shall  go  up  for  us  to  heaven,  and  bring  it  unto  us,  and 
make  us  to  hear  it,  that  we  may  do  it?  Neither  is  it 
beyond  the  sea,  that  thou  shouldest  say,  W\\o  shall  go 
over  the  sea  for  us,  and  bring  it  unto  us,  and  make  us  to 
hear  it,  that  we  may  do  it?  But  the  word  is  very  nigh 
unto  thee,  in  thy  mouth,  and  in  thy  heart,  that  thou  may- 
est  do  it. 

See,  I  have  set  before  thee  this  day  life  and  good,  and 
death  and  e\al;  in  that  I  command  thee  this  day  to  love 
Jehovah  thy  God,  to  walk  in  his  ways,  and  to  keep  his 
commandments  and  his  statutes  and  his  ordinances,  that 
thou  mayest  live  and  multiply,  and  that  Jehovah  thy  God 
may  bless  thee  in  the  land  whither  thou  goest  in  to  pos- 
sess it.  But  if  thy  heart  turn  away,  and  thou  wilt  not 
hear,  but  shalt  be  drawn  away,  and  worship  other  gods, 
and  serve  them ;  I  denounce  unto  you  this  day,  that  ye 
shall  surely  perish ;  ye  shall  not  prolong  your  days  in 
the  land,  whither  thou  passest  over  the  Jordan  to  go  in 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  101 

to  possess  it.  I  call  lieayen  and  earth  to  \dtness  against 
YOU  this  da}",  that  I  have  set  before  thee  life  and  death, 
the  blessing  and  the  curse :  therefore  choose  life,  that  thou 
mayest  live,  thou  and  thy  seed ;  to  love  Jehovah  thy  God, 
to  obey  his  voice,  and  to  cleave  unto  him;  for  he  is  thy 
life,  and  the  length  of  thy  days ;  that  thou  mayest  dwell 
in  the  land  which  Jehovah  sware  unto  thy  fathers,  to 
Abraham,  to  Isaac,  and  to  Jacob,  to  give  them. 

Deuteronomy  30:11-20 

O  God,  who  hast  in  mercy  taught  us  how  good  it  is  to 
follow  the  holy  desires  which  Thou  manifoldly  puttest 
into  our  hearts,  and  how  bitter  is  the  grief  of  falling 
short  of  whatever  beauty  our  minds  behold,  strengthen 
us,  we  beseech  Thee,  to  walk  steadfastly  throughout  life 
in  the  better  path;  and  give  us  wisdom  to  tread  it  pru- 
dently in  Thy  fear,  as  well  as  cheerfully  in  Thy  love ;  so 
that,  having  been  faithful  to  Thee  all  the  days  of  our 
life  here,  we  may  be  able  hopefully  to  resign  ourselves  into 
Thy  hands  hereafter. — Amen. 

Rowland  WaUam^  (1817-1870) 

38 

Uemcmfacr  Cf)p  Creator 

'yir'RULY  the  hght  is  sweet,  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is 
^^for  the  eyes  to  behold  the  sun.  Yea,  if  a  man  live 
many  ^^ears,  let  him  rejoice  in  them  all;  but  let  him  re- 
member the  days  of  darkness,  for  they  shall  be  many. 
All  that  cometh  is  vanity. 


102  Mornmg  Readings 

Rejoice,  O  young  man,  in  thy  youth,  and  let  thy  heart 
cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  and  walk  in  the  ways 
of  thy  heart,  and  in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes ;  but  know 
thou,  that  for  all  these  things  God  will  bring  thee  into 
judgment.  Therefore  remove  sorrow  from  thy  heart,  and 
put  away  evil  from  thy  flesh;  for  youth  and  the  dawn 
of  life  are  vanity.  Remember  also  thy  Creator  in  the 
days  of  thy  youth,  before  the  evil  days  come,  and  the 
years  draw  nigh,  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleas- 
ure in  them ;  before  the  sun,  and  the  light,  and  the  moon, 
and  the  stars,  are  darkened,  and  the  clouds  return  after 
the  rain;  in  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the  house  shall 
tremble,  and  the  strong  men  shall  bow  themselves,  and 
the  grinders  cease  because  they  are  few,  and  those  that 
look  out  of  the  windows  shall  be  darkened,  and  the  doors 
shall  be  shut  in  the  street;  when  the  sound  of  the  grind- 
ing is  low,  and  one  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of  a  bird, 
and  all  the  daughters  of  music  shall  be  brought  low ;  yea, 
they  shall  be  afraid  of  that  which  is  high,  and  terrors 
shall  he  in  the  way;  and  the  almond-tree  shall  blossom, 
and  the  grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and  desire  shall 
fail;  because  man  goeth  to  his  everlasting  home,  and  the 
mourners  go  about  the  streets:  before  the  silver  cord  is 
loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl  is  broken,  or  the  pitcher  is 
broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  cistern, 
and  the  dust  retumeth  to  the  eartli  as  it  was,  and  the 
spirit  returneth  unto  God  who  gave  it. 

This  is  the  end  of  the  matter;  all  hath  been  heard: 
Fear  God,  and  keep  his  commandments;  for  this  is  the 
whole  duty  of  man.     For  God  will  bring  every  work  into 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  103 

judgment,  with  every  hidden  thing,  whether  it  be  good, 
or  whether  it  be  evil. 

Ecclesiastes  11:7-10;  12:1-7,  13,  14. 

Thou  who  hast  made  for  us  this  place  of  ease  and 
hope,  accept  and  inflame  our  gratitude ;  help  us  to  re- 
pay, in  service  one  to  another,  the  debt  of  thine  unmer- 
ited benefits  and  mercies,  so  that  when  the  period  of  our 
stewardship  draws  to  a  conclusion,  when  the  windows 
begin  to  be  darkened,  when  the  bond  of  the  family  is  to 
be  loosed,  there  shall  be  no  bitterness  of  remorse  in  our 
farewells. 

Help  us  to  look  back  on  the  long  way  that  Thou  hast 
brought  us,  on  the  long  days  in  which  we  have  been 
served  not  according  to  our  deserts  but  our  desires;  on 
the  pit  and  the  miry  clay,  the  blackness  of  despair,  the 
horror  of  misconduct,  from  which  our  feet  have  been 
plucked  out.  For  our  sins  forgiven  or  prevented,  for 
our  shame  unpublished,  we  bless  and  thank  Thee,  O  God. 
Help  us  yet  again  and  ever.  So  order  events,  so 
strengthen  our  frailty,  as  that  day  by  day  we  shall  come 
before  Thee  with  this  song  of  gratitude,  and  in  the  end 
we  be  dismissed  with  honor.  In  their  weakness  and  in 
their  fear,  the  vessels  of  thy  handiwork  so  pray  to  Thee, 
so  praise  Thee. — ^Amen. 

Robert  Louis  Stevenson 


104  Morning  Readings 

39 

Cftougf)  gout  %im  I3t  a0  @>catlet 


.EAR,  O  heavens,  and  give  ear,  O  earth;  for  Jehovah 
hath  spoken:  I  have  nourished  and  brought  up  chil- 
dren, and  they  have  rebelled  against  me.  The  ox  know- 
eth  his  owner,  and  the  ass  his  master's  crib;  hut  Israel 
doth  not  know,  my  people  doth  not  consider.  Ah  sin- 
ful nation,  a  people  laden  with  iniquity,  a  seed  of  evil- 
doers, children  that  deal  corruptly!  they  have  forsaken 
Jehovah,  they  have  despised  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  they 
are  estranged  and  gone  backward. 

Your  country  is  desolate;  your  cities  are  burned  with 
fire;  your  land,  strangers  devour  it  in  your  presence, 
and  it  is  desolate,  as  overthrown  by  strangers. 

Except  Jehovah  of  hosts  had  left  unto  us  a  very  small 
remnant,  we  should  have  been  as  Sodom,  we  should  have 
been  like  unto  Gomorrah. 

Hear  the  word  of  Jehovah,  ye  rulers  of  Sodom;  give 
ear  unto  the  law  of  our  God,  ye  people  of  Gomorrah. 
What  unto  me  is  the  multitude  of  your  sacrifices?  saith 
Jehovah:  I  have  had  enough  of  the  burnt-offerings  of 
rams,  and  the  fat  of  fed  beasts ;  and  I  delight  not  in  the 
blood  of  bullocks,  or  of  lambs,  or  of  he-goats. 

Bring  no  more  vain  oblations ;  incense  is  an  abomina- 
tion unto  me;  new  moon  and  sabbath,  the  calling  of  as- 
semblies,— ^I  cannot  away  with  iniquity  and  the  solemn 
meeting. 

Wash  you,  make  you  clean;  put  away  the  evil  of  your 
doings  from  before  mine  eyes ;  cease  to  do  evil ;  learn  to 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  105 

do   well;   seek   justice,   relieve   the   oppressed,   judge  the 
fatherless,  plead  for  the  widow. 

Come  now,  and  let  us  reason  together,  saith  Jehovah: 
though  jour  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as 
snow;  though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as 
wool.  If  ye  be  willing  and  obedient,  ye  shall  eat  the  good 
of  the  land:  but  if  ye  refuse  and  rebel,  ye  shall  be  de- 
voured with  the  sword;  for  the  mouth  of  Jehovah  hath 
spoken  it. 

Isaiah  1:2-4,  7,  9-11,  13,  16-20 

Lord,  our  God,  great,  eternal,  wonderful  in  glory,  who 
keepest  covenant  and  promises  for  those  that  love  Thee 
with  their  whole  heart ;  who  art  the  life  of  all,  the  help  of 
those  that  flee  unto  Thee,  the  Hope  of  those  that  cry 
unto  Thee;  cleanse  us  from  our  sins,  secret  and  open, 
and  from  every  thought  displeasing  to  thy  goodness — 
cleanse  our  bodies  and  souls,  our  hearts  and  consciences, 
that  with  a  pure  heart  and  a  clear  soul,  with  perfect 
love  and  calm  hope,  we  may  venture  confidently  and  fear- 
lessly to  "pray  unto  thee. — Amen. 

Coptic  Liturgy  of  St,  Basil, 

40 

30aial)'0  I?i0ion  of  t!)e  Dap0  to  Come 

/WND  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  latter  days,  that  the 
<^^mountain  of  Jehovah's  house  shall  be  established  on 
the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  shall  be  exalted  above  the 
hills ;  and  all  nations  shall  flow  unto  it.     And  many  peo- 


106  Morning  Readings 

pies  shall  go  and  say,  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the 
mountain  of  Jehovah,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob; 
and  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his 
paths:  for  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the 
word  of  Jehovah  from  Jerusalem.  And  he  will  judge  be- 
tween the  nations,  and  will  decide  concerning  many  peo- 
ples ;  and  they  shall  beat  their  swords  into  plowshares, 
and  their  spears  into  pruning-hooks ;  nation  shall  not  lift 
up  sword  against  nation,  neither  shall  they  learn  war 
any  more. 

O  house  of  Jacob,  come  ye,  and  let  us  walk  in  the 
light  of  the  Lord, 

Isaiah  2 :2-5 

0  God,  who  art  peace  everlasting,  whose  chosen  re- 
ward is  the  gift  of  peace,  and  who  hast  taught  us  that  the 
peacemakers  are  Thy  children,  pour  Thy  sweet  peace 
into  our  souls,  that  everything  discordant  may  utterly 
vanish,  and  all  that  makes  for  peace  be  sweet  to  us  for- 
ever.— ^Amen. 

Mozarahic  Liturgy  (700  A.  D.) 


41 

3(0aiaft'0  MJatning  again0t  Sntemperance 

MOE  unto  them  that  rise  up  early  in  the  morning, 
that  they  may  follow  strong  drink ;  that  tarry  late 
into  the  night,  till  wine  inflame  them !  And  the  harp  and 
the  lute,  the  tabret  and  the  pipe,  and  wine,  are  m  their 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  107 

feasts ;  but  they  regard  not  the  work  of  Jehovah,  neither 
have  they  considered  the  operation  of  his  hands. 

Therefore  my  people  are  gone  into  captivity  for  lack 
of  knowledge ;  and  their  honorable  men  are  famished,  and 
their  multitude  are  parched  with  thirst.  Therefore 
Sheol  hath  enlarged  its  desire,  and  opened  its  mouth 
without  measure;  and  their  glory,  and  their  multitude, 
and  their  pomp,  and  he  that  rejoiceth  among  them,  de- 
scend into  it. 

Woe  unto  them  that  draw  iniquity  with  cords  of  false- 
hood, and  sin  as  it  were  with  a  cart  rope. 

Woe  unto  them  that  call  evil  good,  and  good  evil ;  that 
put  darkness  for  light,  and  light  for  darkness;  that  put 
bitter  for  sweet,  and  sweet  for  bitter!  Woe  unto  them 
that  are  wise  in  their  own  eyes,  and  prudent  in  their  own 
sight!  Woe  unto  them  that  are  mighty  to  drink  wine, 
and  men  of  strength  to  mingle  strong  drink;  that  justify 
the  wicked  for  a  bribe,  and  take  away  the  righteousness 
of  the  righteous  from  him! 

Therefore  as  the  tongue  of  fire  devoureth  the  stubble, 
and  as  the  dry  grass  sinketh  down  in  the  flame,  so  their 
root  shall  be  as  rottenness,  and  their  blossom  shall  go 
up  as  dust;  because  they  have  rejected  the  law  of  Je- 
hovah of  hosts,  and  despised  the  word  of  the  Holy  One 
of  Israel.  Tlierefore  is  the  anger  of  Jehovah  kindled 
against  his  people,  and  he  hath  stretched  forth  his  hand 
against  them,  and  hath  smitten  them ;  and  the  mountains 
tremble,  and  their  dead  bodies  are  as  refuse  in  the  midst 
of  the  streets.  For  all  this  his  anger  is  not  turned  away, 
but  his  hand  is  stretched  out  still. 

Isaiah  5:11-14,  18,  20-25 


108  Morning  Readings 

We  entreat  Thy  mercy  with  our  whole  heart,  that,  as 
Thou  defendest  us  against  things  adverse  to  the  body,  so 
Thou  wilt  set  us  free  from  the  enemies  of  the  soul;  and, 
as  Thou  grantest  to  us  to  rejoice  in  outward  tranquillity, 
so  vouchsafe  to  us  Thine  inward  peace. — Amen. 

Leonme  Sacrament ary,  5th  Century 

Cfte  iaigl)tepu0  SluDge 

/WND  there  shall  come  forth  a  shoot  out  of  the  stock 
^^^of  Jesse,  and  a  branch  out  of  his  roots  shall  bear 
fruit.  And  the  Spirit  of  Jehovah  shall  rest  upon  him, 
the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding,  the  spirit  of 
counsel  and  might,  the  spirit  of  knowledge  and  of  the 
fear  of  Jehovah.  And  his  delight  shall  be  in  the  fear  of 
Jehovah;  and  he  shall  not  judge  after  the  sight  of  his 
eyes,  neither  decide  after  the  hearing  of  his  ears ;  but 
with  righteousness  shall  he  judge  the  poor,  and  decide 
with  equity  for  the  meek  of  the  earth;  and  he  shall  smite 
the  earth  with  the  rod  of  his  mouth ;  and  with  the  breath 
of  his  lips  shall  he  slay  the  wicked.  And  righteousness 
shall  be  the  girdle  of  his  waist,  and  faithfulness  the  gir- 
dle of  his  loins. 

And  the  wolf  shall  dwell  with  the  lamb,  and  the  leopard 
shall  lie  down  with  the  kid;  and  the  calf  and  the  young 
lion  and  the  fatling  together;  and  a  little  child  shall  lead 
them.  They  shall  not  hurt  nor  destroy  in  all  my  holy 
mountain;  for  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge 
of  Jehovah,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 

Isaiah  11  :l-6,  9 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  109 

O  Root  of  Jesse,  who  standest  for  an  ensign  to  the  peo- 
ple: before  whom  kings  shall  shut  their  mouths,  whom 
nations  shall  entreat:  come  to  deliver  us  now,  tarry  not. 

O  Key  of  David,  and  Sceptre  of  the  house  of  Israel, 
who  openest  and  no  man  shutteth,  and  shuttest  and  no 
man  openeth,  come  and  bring  forth  the  prisoner  out  of 
the  prison-house,  where  he  sitteth  in  darkness  and  the 
shadow  of  death. 

O  Day-spring,  splendor  of  the  eternal  light,  and  Sun 
of  righteousness,  come  and  enlighten  those  who  sit  in 
darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death. 

O  King  of  Gentiles,  thou  whom  they  long  for,  and 
Cornerstone  that  makest  both  one:  come  and  save  man 
whom  thou  formedst  out  of  the  clay. 

O  Emmanuel,  our  King  and  Lawgiver,  the  expected 
one  of  the  Gentiles  and  their  Savior,  come  to  save  us, 
O  Lord  our  God. — ^Amen. 

Sarum  Breviary  (1085) 

43 

taifien  tJ)e  ffl)utca0ti8!  are  KecotoereD 

/WND  in  that  day  thou  shalt  say,  I  will  give  thanks  unto 
^^^thee,  O  Jehovah;  for  though  thou  wast  angry  with 
me,  thine  anger  is  turned  away,  and  thou  comfortest  me. 
Behold,  God  is  my  salvation ;  I  will  trust,  and  will  not  be 
afraid:  for  Jehovah,  even  Jehovah,  is  my  strength  and 
song;  and  he  is  become  my  salvation.  Therefore  with 
joy  shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation. 
And  in  that  day  shall  ye  say,  Give  thanks  unto  Jehovah, 


110  Morning  Readings 

call  upon  his  name,  declare  his  doings  among  the  peoples, 
make  mention  that  his  name  is  exalted.  Sing  unto  Je- 
hovah; for  he  hath  done  excellent  things:  let  this  be 
known  in  all  the  earth.  Cry  aloud  and  shout,  thou  in- 
habitant of  Zion;  for  great  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel. 

Isaiah  12 

Grant  hope,  O  Lord,  to  them  that  seek  Thee;  inspire 
with  courage  all  who  wait  for  Thee,  and  be  nigh  unto  all 
who  trust  in  Thy  name;  that  all  men  may  walk  in  the 
light  of  Thy  truth,  and  recognize  that  they  are  children 
of  One  Father,  that  One  God  has  created  them  all.  Then 
shall  the  just  rejoice  and  the  righteous  be  glad;  then  shall 
iniquity  be  no  more  and  all  men  will  render  homage  to 
Thee  alone  as  their  God  and  King. — Amen. 

Liturgy  of  the  Jewish  Church 

Cfte  Keproacl)  of  J^i0  people  mill  ©e  Cabe 

atoag 

W^  JEHOVAH,  thou  art  my  God;  I  will  exalt  thee, 
^^^  I  will  praise  thy  name;  for  thou  hast  done  wonder- 
ful things,  even  counsels  of  old,  in  faithfulness  and  truth. 
For  thou  hast  been  a  stronghold  to  the  poor,  a  strong- 
hold to  the  needy  in  his  distress,  a  refuge  from  the  storm, 
a  shade  from  the  heat,  when  the  blast  of  the  terrible  ones 
is  as  a  storm  against  the  wall.  And  he  will  destroy  in 
this  mountain  the  face  of  the  covering  that  covereth  all 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  111 

peoples,  and  the  veil  that  is  spread  over  all  nations.  He 
hath  swallowed  up  death  for  ever;  and  the  Lord  Jehovah 
will  wipe  away  tears  from  off  all  faces ;  and  the  reproach 
of  liis  peoj)le  will  he  take  away  from  off  all  the  earth:  for 
Jehovah  hath  spoken  it. 

And  it  shall  be  said  in  that  day,  Lo,  this  is  our  God; 
we  have  w^aited  for  him,  and  he  will  save  us :  this  is  Je- 
hovah ;  we  have  waited  for  him,  we  will  be  glad  and  re- 
joice in  his  salvation. 


Isaiah  25:1,  4,  7-9 

Almighty  God,  who  canst  give  the  light  that  in  dark- 
ness shall  make  us  glad,  the  life  that  in  gloom  shall  make 
us  joy,  and  the  peace  that  amidst  discord  shall  bring 
us  quietness !  let  us  live  this  day  in  that  light,  that  life, 
and  that  peace,  so  that  we  may  gain  the  victory  over 
those  things  that  press  us  down,  and  over  the  flesh  that 
so  often  encumbers  us,  and  over  death  that  seemeth  for 
a  moment  to  win  the  victory.  Thus  we,  being  filled  with 
inward  peace,  and  light,  and  life,  may  walk  all  the  days 
of  this  our  mortal  life,  doing  our  work  as  the  business  of 
our  Father,  glorifying  it,  because  it  is  Thy  will,  knowing 
that  what  Thou  givest  Thou  givest  in  love.  Bestow 
upon  us  the  greatest  and  last  blessing,  that  we,  being  in 
Thy  presence  may  be  like  unto  Thee  for  evermore. — 
Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


112  Morning  Readings 

45 

Cfte  Ueturn  of  tfte  Uansomefl 

JC  OOK  upon  Zion,  the  city  of  our  solemnities :  thine 
^^eves  shall  see  Jerusalem  a  quiet  habitation,  a  tent  that 
shall  not  be  removed,  the  stakes  whereof  shall  never  be 
plucked  up,  neither  shall  any  of  the  cords  thereof  be 
broken.  But  there  Jehovah  will  be  with  us  in  majesty, 
a  place  of  bi-oad  rivers  and  streams,  wherein  shall  go  no 
galley  with  oars,  neither  shall  gallant  ship  pass  thereby'. 
For  Jehovah  is  our  judge,  Jehovah  is  our  lawgiver,  Je- 
hovah is  our  king:  he  will  save  us. 

Come  near,  ye  nations,  to  hear;  and  hearken,  ye  peo- 
ples: let  the  earth  hear,  and  the  fuhiess  thereof;  the 
world,  and  all  things  that  come  forth  from  it. 

The  wilderness  and  the  dry  land  shall  be  glad;  and 
the  desert  shall  rejoice,  and  blossom  as  the  rose.  It  shall 
blossom  abundantly,  and  rejoice  even  with  joy  and  sing- 
ing; the  glory  of  Lebanon  shall  be  given  unto  it,  the  ex- 
cellency of  Carmel  and  Sharon:  they  shall  see  the  glory 
of  Jehovah,  the  excellency  of  our  God. 

Strengthen  ye  the  weak  hands,  and  confirm  the  feeble 
knees.  Say  to  them  that  are  of  a  fearful  heart.  Be 
strong,  fear  not :  behold,  your  God  will  come  zvith  ven- 
geance, zcith  the  recompense  of  God;  he  will  come  and 
save  you. 

Then  the  eyes  of  the  blind  shall  be  opened,  and  the  ears 
of  the  deaf  shall  be  unstopped.  Then  shall  the  lame  man 
leap  as  a  hart,  and  the  tongue  of  the  dumb  shall  sing; 
for  in  the  wilderness  shall  waters  break  out,  and  streams 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  113 

in  the  desert.  And  the  glowing  sand  shall  become  a  pool, 
and  the  thirsty  ground  springs  of  water :  in  the  habitation 
of  jackals,  where  they  lay,  shall  be  grass  with  reeds  and 
rushes.  And  a  highway  shall  be  there,  and  a  way,  and 
it  shall  be  called  The  way  of  holiness ;  the  unclean  shall 
not  pass  oyer  it ;  but  it  shall  be  for  the  redeemed:  the 
wayfaring  men,  yea  fools,  shall  not  err  therein.  Xo  lion 
shall  be  there,  nor  shall  any  rayenous  beast  go  up  thereon ; 
they  shall  not  be  found  there ;  but  the  redeemed  shaU 
walk  there:  and  the  ransomed  of  Jehoyah  shall  return, 
and  come  with  singing  unto  Zion ;  and  eyerlasting  joy  shall 
be  upon  their  heads:  they  shall  obtain  gladness  and  joy, 
and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee  away. 

Isaiah  33  :20-22 ;  34 :1 ;  35 :1-10 

Eternal,  our  God,  may  Thy  kingdom  come  speedily, 
and  the  worship  of  Thy  name  and  obedience  to  Thy  law 
unite  all  men  in  the  bonds  of  brotherhood  and  peace, 
that  eyery  creature  may  know  that  Thou  hast  created 
it,  and  eyery  living  being  exclaim :  The  Eternal,  the  God 
of  Israel,  ruleth,  and  His  dominion  endureth  foreyer. — 
Amen. 

Liturgy  of  Jru^ish  Church 

46 

©ODD  ODing0  to  ^ion 

/a^OMFORT  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,  saith  your  God. 
^^Speak  ye  comfortably  to  Jerusalem ;  and  cry  unto 
her,  that  her  warfare  is  accomplished,  that  her  iniquity 


114  Morning  Readings 

is  pardoned,  that  she  hath  received  of  Jehovah's  hand 
double  for  all  her  sins. 

The  voice  of  one  that  crieth,  Prepare  ye  in  the  wilder- 
ness the  way  of  Jehovah ;  make  level  in  the  desert  a  high- 
way for  our  God.  Every  valley  shall  be  exalted,  and 
every  mountain  and  hill  shall  be  made  low;  and  the  un- 
even shall  be  made  level,  and  the  rough  places  a  plain: 
and  the  glory  of  Jehovah  shall  be  revealed,  and  all  flesh 
shall  see  it  together;  for  the  mouth  of  Jehovah  hath 
spoken  it. 

O  thou  that  tellest  good  tidings  to  Zion,  get  thee  up 
on  a  high  mountain;  O  thou  that  tellest  good  tidings  to 
Jerusalem,  lift  up  thy  voice  with  strength;  lift  it  up,  be 
not  afraid;  say  unto  the  cities  of  Judah,  Behold,  your 
God!  Behold,  the  Lord  Jehovah  will  come  as  a  mighty 
one,  and  his  arm  will  rule  for  him:  Behold,  his  reward 
is  with  him,  and  his  recompense  before  him.  He  will  feed 
his  flock  like  a  shepherd,  he  will  gather  the  lambs  in  his 
arm,  and  carry  them  in  his  bosom,  and  will  gently  lead 
those  that  have  their  young. 

Why  sayest  thou,  O  Jacob,  and  speakest,  0  Israel, 
My  way  is  hid  from  Jehovah,  and  the  justice  dite  to  me 
is  passed  away  from  my  God?  Hast  thou  not  known? 
hast  thou  not  heard?  The  everlasting  God,  Jehovah,  the 
Creator  of  the  ends  of  the  earth,  fainteth  not,  neither  is 
weary;  there  is  no  searching  of  his  understanding.  He 
giveth  power  to  the  faint;  and  to  him  that  hath  no 
might  he  increaseth  strength.  Even  the  youths  shall  faint 
and  be  weary,  and  the  young  men  shall  utterly  fall:  but 
they  that  wait  for  Jehovah  shall  renew  their  strength; 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  115 

they   shall  mount   up  with  wings   as   eagles ;   they   shall 
run,  and  not  be  weary ;  they  shall  walk,  and  not  faint. 

Isaiah  4iO:l A,  9-11,  27-31 

Almighty  God,  we  give  Thee  thanks  for  the  mighty 
yearning  of  the  human  heart  for  the  coming  of  a  Saviour, 
and  the  constant  promise  of  Thy  Word  that  He  was  to 
come.  In  our  own  souls  we  repeat  the  humble  sighs  and 
panting  aspirations  of  ancient  men  and  ages,  and  own 
that  our  souls  are  in  darkness  and  infirmity  without  faith 
in  Him  who  comes  to  bring  God  to  man  and  man  to  God. 
We  bless  Thee  for  the  tribute  that  we  can  pay  to  Him 
from  our  very  sense  of  need  and  dependence,  and  that 
our  own  hearts  can  so  answer  from  their  wilderness,  the 
cry,  ^'Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord."  In  us  the  rough 
places  are  to  be  made  smooth,  the  crooked  straight,  the 
mountains  of  pride  brought  low,  and  the  vallej^s  of  de- 
spondency lifted  up.  O  God,  prepare  Thou  the  way  in 
us  now,  and  may  we  welcome  Thy  Holy  Child.  Hosanna ! 
blessed  be  he  who  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord. — Amen. 

Samuel  Osgood  (1862) 

47 

Cfte  Ctiumpf)  of  'Sin^tict 


m. 


|EARKEN  to  me,  ye  that  follow  after  righteousness, 
-e  that  seek  Jehovah:  look  unto  the  rock  whence  ye 
were  hewn,  and  to  the  hole  of  the  pit  whence  ye  were 
digged.     For  Jehovah  hath  comforted  Zion ;  he  hath  com- 


116  Morning  Readings 

forted  all  her  waste  places,  and  hath  made  her  wilder- 
ness like  Eden,  and  her  desert  like  the  garden  of  Jehovah ; 
joy  and  gladness  shall  be  found  therein,  thanksgiving, 
and  the  voice  of  melody. 

Attend  unto  me,  O  my  people;  and  give  ear  unto  me, 
O  my  nation:  for  a  law  shall  go  forth  from  me,  and  I 
will  establish  my  justice  for  a  light  of  the  peoples.  My 
righteousness  is  near,  my  salvation  is  gone  forth,  and 
mine  arms  shall  judge  the  peoples;  the  isles  shall  wait 
for  me,  and  on  mine  arm  shall  they  trust.  Lift  up  your 
eyes  to  the  heavens,  and  look  upon  the  earth  beneath; 
for  the  heavens  shall  vanish  away  like  smoke,  and  the 
earth  shall  wax  old  like  a  garment ;  and  they  that  dwell 
therein  shall  die  in  like  manner:  but  my  salvation  shall 
be  for  ever,  and  my  righteousness  shall  not  be  abolished. 

Hearken  unto  me,  ye  that  know  righteousness,  the  peo- 
ple in  whose  heart  is  my  law;  fear  ye  not  the  reproach 
of  men,  neither  be  ye  dismayed  at  their  revilings.  For 
the  moth  shall  eat  them  up  like  a  garment,  and  the  worm 
shall  eat  them  like  wool;  but  my  righteousness  shall  be 
for  ever,  and  my  salvation  unto  all  generations. 

Isaiah  51 :1,  3-8 

0  God,  of  unchangeable  power  and  eternal  light,  look 
favorably  on  Thy  whole  Church,  that  wonderful  and 
sacred  mystery;  and,  by  the  tranquil  operation  of  Thy 
perpetual  Providence,  carry  out  the  work  of  man's  sal- 
vation; and  let  the  whole  world  feel  and  see  that  things 
which  were  cast  down  are  being  raised  up,  and  things 
which  had  grown  old  are  being  made  new,  and  all  things 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  117 

are  returning  to  perfection  through  Him  from  whom  they 
took  their  origin. — Amen. 

Gelasian  Sacrament ary  (494!) 

48 

l^wi  on  Cftp  ^ttengtl),  2D  ^lon/ 

(^rWAKE,  awake,  put  on  thy  strength,  O  Zion;  put  on 
^^thy  beautiful  garments,  O  Jerusalem,  the  holy  city: 
for  henceforth  there  shall  no  more  come  into  thee  the 
uncircumcised  and  the  unclean.  Shake  thyself  from  the 
dust;  arise,  sit  on  thy  throne,  O  Jerusalem:  loose  thy- 
self from  the  bonds  of  thy  neck,  O  captive  daughter  of 
Zion. 

For  thus  saith  Jehovah,  Ye  were  sold  for  nought ;  and 
ye  shall  be  redeemed  without  money. 

How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains  are  the  feet  of  him 
that  bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace,  that 
bringeth  good  tidings  of  good,  that  publisheth  salvation, 
that  saith  unto  Zion,  Thy  God  reigneth!  Break  forth 
into  joy,  sing  together,  ye  waste  places  of  Jerusalem;  for 
Jehovah  hath  comforted  his  people,  he  hath  redeemed 
Jerusalem.  Jehovah  hath  made  bare  his  holy  arm  in 
the  eyes  of  all  the  nations ;  and  all  the  ends  of  the  earth 
have  seen  the  salvation  of  our  God. 

Isaiah  m-l-S,  7,9,  10 

Eternal  God,  who  hast  neither  dawn  nor  evening,  yet 
sendest  us  alternate  mercies  of  the  darkness  and  the  day ; 
there  is  no  light  but  Thine,  without,  within.     As  Thou 


118  Morning  Readings 

liftest  the  curtain  of  night  from  our  abodes,  take  also 
the  veil  from  all  our  hearts.  Rise  with  Thy  morning 
upon  our  souls:  quicken  all  our  labor  and  our  prayer: 
and  though  all  else  declines,  let  the  noontide  of  Thy 
grace  and  peace  remain.  May  we  walk,  while  it  is  yet 
day,  in  the  steps  of  Him  who,  with  fewest  hours,  finished 
Thy  divinest  work. — ^Amen. 

James  Martvneau  (1805-1900) 

^0,  (Etierg  Dne  Cftat  ^hitmtbf 

3K|0,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters, 
/'^and  he  that  hath  no  money;  come  ye,  buy,  and  eat; 
yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  money  and  with- 
out price.  Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money  for  that  which 
is  not  bread?  and  your  labor  for  that  which  satisfieth 
not?  hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and  eat  ye  that  which 
is  good,  and  let  your  soul  delight  itself  in  fatness. 

Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me:  hear,  and  your 
soul  shall  live;  and  I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant 
with  you,  even  the  sure  mercies  of  David. 

Seek  ye  Jehovah  while  he  may  be  found;  call  ye  upon 
him  while  he  is  near:  let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and 
the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts;  and  let  him  return 
unto  Jehovah,  and  he  will  have  mercy  upon  him;  and  to 
our  God,  for  he  will  abundantly  pardon.  For  my 
thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts,  neither  are  your  ways 
my  ways,  saith  Jehovah.  For  as  the  heavens  are  higher 
than  the  earth,  so  are  my  ways  higher  than  your  ways. 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  119 

and  my  thoughts  than  your  thoughts.  For  as  the  rain 
cometh  down  and  the  snow  from  heaven,  and  returneth 
not  thither,  but  watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring 
forth  and  bud,  and  giveth  seed  to  the  sower  and  bread 
to  the  eater;  so  shall  my  word  be  that  goeth  forth  out 
of  my  mouth :  it  shall  not  return  unto  me  void,  but  it  shall 
accomplish  that  which  I  please,  and  it  shall  prosper  in 
the  thing  whereto  I  sent  it.  For  ye  shall  go  out  with 
joy,  and  be  led  forth  with  peace:  the  mountains  and  the 
hills  shall  break  forth  before  you  into  singing;  and  all 
the  trees  of  the  field  shall  clap  their  hands.  Instead  of 
the  thorn  shall  come  up  the  fir-tree;  and  instead  of  the 
brier  shall  come  up  the  myrtle-tree:  and  it  shall  be  to 
Jehovah  for  a  name,  for  an  everlasting  sign  that  shall 
not  be  cut  off. 

Isaiah  55  :l-3,  6-13 

O  God,  who  art  the  unsearchable  abyss  of  peace,  the 
ineffable  sea  of  love,  the  fountain  of  blessings,  and  the 
bestower  of  affection,  who  sendest  peace  to  those  that  re- 
ceive it,  open  to  us  this  day  the  sea  of  thy  love,  and  water 
us  with  the  plenteous  streams  from  the  riches  of  thy 
grace,  and  from  the  most  sweet  springs  of  thy  benignity. 
Make  us  children  of  quietness  and  heirs  of  peace.  En- 
kindle in  us  the  fire  of  Thy  love;  sow  in  us  Thy  fear; 
strengthen  our  weakness  by  Thy  power;  bind  us  closely 
to  Thee  and  to  each  other  in  one  firm  and  indissoluble 
bond  of  unity. — ^Amen. 

Syrian  Clementine  (400) 


120  Morning  Readings 

50 

Cften  ^ftall  Cbp  Wgbt  Ei^e  in  Datbne00 

CRY  aloud,  spare  not,  lift  up  thy  voice  like  a  trum- 
pet, and  declare  unto  my  people  their  transgression, 
and  to  the  house  of  Jacob  their  sins.  Yet  they  seek  me 
daily,  and  delight  to  know  my  ways :  as  a  nation  that 
did  righteousness,  and  forsook  not  the  ordinance  of  their 
God,  they  ask  of  me  righteous  judgments;  they  delight 
to  draw  near  unto  God.  Wherefore  have  we  fasted,  say 
they,  and  thou  seest  not?  wherefore  have  we  afflicted  our 
soul,  and  thou  takest  no  knowledge?  Behold,  in  the  day 
of  your  fast  ye  find  your  own  pleasure,  and  exact  all  your 
labors.  Behold,  ye  fast  for  strife  and  contention,  and 
to  smite  with  the  fist  of  wickedness :  ye  fast  not  this  day 
so  as  to  make  your  voice  to  be  heard  on  high.  Is  such 
the  fast  that  I  have  chosen?  the  day  for  a  man  to  afflict 
his  soul?  Is  it  to  bow  down  his  head  as  a  rush,  and  to 
spread  sackcloth  and  ashes  under  him?  wilt  thou  call  this 
a  fast,  and  an  acceptable  day  to  Jehovah?  Is  not  this 
the  fast  that  I  have  chosen:  to  loose  the  bonds  of  wick- 
edness, to  undo  the  bands  of  the  yoke,  and  to  let  the  op- 
pressed go  free,  and  that  ye  break  every  yoke?  Is  it  not 
to  deal  thy  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  that  thou  bring 
the  poor  that  are  cast  out  to  thy  house?  when  thou  seest 
the  naked,  that  thou  cover  him;  and  that  thou  hide  not 
thyself  from  thine  own  flesh?  Then  shall  thy  light  break 
forth  as  the  morning,  and  thy  healing  shall  spring  forth 
speedily;  and  thy  righteousness  shall  go  before  thee; 
the  glory  of  Jehovah  shall  be  thy  rearward.     Then  shalt 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  121 

thou  call,  and  Jehovah  will  answer;  thou  shalt  cry,  and 
he  will  say.  Here  I  am. 

If  thou  take  away  from  the  midst  of  thee  the  yoke,  the 
putting  forth  of  the  finger,  and  speaking  wickedly;  and 
if  thou  draw  out  thy  soul  to  the  hungry,  and  satisfy  the 
afflicted  soul:  then  shall  thy  light  rise  in  darkness,  and 
thine  obscurity  be  as  the  noonday ;  and  Jehovah  will  guide 
thee  continually,  and  satisfy  thy  soul  in  dry  places,  and 
make  strong  thy  bones ;  and  thou  shalt  be  like  a  watered 
garden,  and  like  a  spring  of  water,  whose  waters  fail 
not.  And  they  that  shall  be  of  thee  shall  build  the  old 
waste  places ;  thou  shalt  raise  up  the  foundations  of 
many  generations ;  and  thou  shalt  be  called  The  repairer 
of  the  breach.  The  restorer  of  paths  to  dwell  in. 

Isaiah  58 :1-12 

Shine  into  our  hearts,  O  loving  Master,  by  the  pure 
light  of  the  knowledge  of  Thyself;  and  open  the  eyes  of 
our  mind  to  the  contemplation  of  Thy  .  .  .  teaching,  and 
put  into  us  the  fear  of  Thy  blessed  commandments;  that 
trampling  down  all  carnal  appetites,  we  may  follow  a 
spiritual  life,  thinking  and  doing  all  things  according  to 
Thy  good  pleasure.  For  Thou  art  our  sanctification 
and  our  illumination,  and  to  Thee  we  render  glory,  .  .  . 
now  and  ever,  and  unto  ages  of  ages. — ^Amen. 

{Daybreak  Office  of  the  Eastern  Church 


122  Morning  Readings 

51 

arise,  ©bine;  Jfor  Cftp  JLigbt  3$  Come 

/WRISE,  shine;  for  thy  light  is  come,  and  the  glory 
r^oi  Jehovah  is  risen  upon  thee.  For,  behold,  dark- 
ness shall  cover  the  earth,  and  gross  darkness  the  peo- 
ples;  but  Jehovah  will  arise  upon  thee,  and  his  glory 
shall  be  seen  upon  thee.  And  nations  shall  come  to  thy 
light,  and  kings  to  the  brightness  of  thy  rising. 

Lift  up  thine  eyes  round  about,  and  see:  they  all 
gather  themselves  together,  they  come  to  thee;  thy  sons 
shall  come  from  far,  and  thy  daughters  shall  be  carried 
in  the  arms.  Then  thou  shalt  see  and  be  radiant,  and 
thy  heart  shall  thrill  and  be  enlarged ;  because  the  abun- 
dance of  the  sea  shall  be  turned  unto  thee,  the  wealth  of 
the  nations  shall  come  unto  thee.  The  multitude  of 
camels  shall  cover  thee,  the  dromedaries  of  Midian  and 
Ephah ;  all  they  from  Sheba  shall  come ;  they  shall  bring 
gold  and  frankincense,  and  shall  proclaim  the  praises  of 
Jehovah.  All  the  flocks  of  Kedar  shall  be  gathered  to- 
gether unto  thee,  the  rams  of  Nebaioth  shall  minister 
unto  thee;  they  shall  come  up  with  acceptance  on  mine 
altar;  and  I  will  glorify  the  house  of  my  glory.  Who 
are  these  that  fly  as  a  cloud,  and  as  the  doves  to  their 
windows?  Surely  the  isles  shall  wait  for  me,  and  the 
ships  of  Tarshish  first,  to  bring  thy  sons  from  far,  their 
silver  and  their  gold  with  them,  for  the  name  of  Jehovah 
thy  God,  and  for  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  because  he  hath 
glorified  thee. 

Violence  shall  no  more  be  heard  in  thy  land,  desolation 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  123 

nor  destruction  within  thy  borders ;  but  thou  shalt  call 
thy  walls  Salvation,  and  thy  gates  Praise.  The  sun  shall 
be  no  more  thy  light  by  day ;  neither  for  brightness  shall 
the  moon  give  light  unto  thee :  but  Jehovah  will  be  unto 
thee  an  everlasting  light,  and  thy  God  thy  glory.  Thy 
sun  shall  no  more  go  down,  neither  shall  thy  moon  with- 
draw itself;  for  Jehovah  will  be  thine  everlasting  light, 
and  the  days  of  thy  mourning  shall  be  ended. 

Isaiah  60  :l-9,  18-20 

O  Thou,  who  art  the  true  sun  of  the  world,  evermore 
rising,  and  never  going  down ;  who,  by  Thy  most  whole- 
some appearing  and  sight  dost  nourish,  and  make  joyful 
all  things,  as  well  that  are  in  heaven,  as  also  that  are  on 
earth ;  we  beseech  Thee  mercifully  and  favorably  to  shine 
into  our  hearts,  that  the  night  and  darkness  of  sin,  and 
the  mists  of  error  on  every  side,  being  driven  away.  Thou 
brightly  shining  within  our  hearts,  we  may  all  our  life 
long  go  without  stumbling  or  offence,  and  may  walk  as 
in  the  day-time,  being  pure  and  clean  from  the  works  of 
darkness,  and  abounding  in  all  works  which  Thou  hast 
prepared  for  us  to  walk  in. — Amen. 

Erasmus  (1467-1536) 

52 

30aial)'0  COatning  to  tfte  Onfaitftful 

3JJEH0LD,  it  is  written  before  me:  I  will  not  keep  si- 
?^lence,  but  will  recompense,  yea,  I  will  recompense 
into  their  bosom,  your  own  iniquities,  and  the  iniquities 


124  Morning  Readings 

of  your  fathers  together,  saith  Jehovah,  that  have  burned 
incense  upon  the  mountains,  and  blasphemed  me  upon 
the  hills:  therefore  will  I  first  measure  their  work  into 
their  bosom. 

Thus  saith  Jehovah,  As  the  new  wine  is  found  in  the 
cluster,  and  one  saith.  Destroy  it  not,  for  a  blessing  is 
in  it:  so  will  I  do  for  my  servants'  sake,  that  I  may  not 
destroy  them  all.  And  I  will  bring  forth  a  seed  out  of 
Jacob,  and  out  of  Judah  an  inheritor  of  my  mountains; 
and  my  chosen  shall  inherit  it,  and  my  servants  shall 
dwell  there.  And  Sharon  shall  be  a  fold  of  flocks,  and 
the  valley  of  Achor  a  place  for  herds  to  lie  down  in,  for 
my  people  that  have  sought  me.  But  ye  that  forsake  Je- 
hovah, that  forget  my  holy  mountain,  that  prepare  a 
table  for  Fortune,  and  that  fill  up  mingled  wine  unto 
Destiny;  I  will  destine  you  to  the  sword,  and  ye  shall  all 
bow  down  to  the  slaughter;  because  when  I  called,  ye  did 
not  answer;  when  I  spake,  ye  did  not  hear;  but  ye  did 
that  which  was  evil  in  mine  eyes,  and  chose  that  wherein 
I  delighted  not. 

Therefore  thus  saith  the  Lord  Jehovah,  Behold,  my 
servants  shall  eat,  but  ye  shall  be  hungry;  behold,  my 
servants  shall  drink,  but  ye  shall  be  thirsty;  behold,  my 
servants  shall  rejoice,  but  ye  shall  be  put  to  shame. 

Isaiah  65:6-13 

0  Merciful  God,  full  of  compassion,  long-suffering  and 
of  great  pity,  make  us  earnestly  repent,  and  heartily  to 
be  sorry  for  all  our  misdoings ;  make  the  remembrance  of 
them  so  burdensome  and  painful  that  we  may  flee  to  Thee 
with  a  troubled  spirit  and  a  contrite  heart;  and,  O  mer- 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  125 

ciful  Lord,  visit,  comfort,  and  relieve  us ;  excite  in  us 
true  repentance;  give  us  in  this  world  knowledge  of  Thy 
truth  and  confidence  in  Thy  mercy,  and,  in  the  world 
to  come,  life  everlasting.  Strengthen  us  against  sin,  and 
enable  us  so  to  perform  every  duty,  that  whilst  we  live  we 
may  serve  Thee  in  that  state  to  which  Thou  hast  called 
us ;  and,  at  last,  by  a  holy  and  happy  death,  be  deliv- 
ered from  the  struggles  and  sorrows  of  this  life,  and  ob- 
tain eternal  happiness. — Amen. 

Samuel  Johmon  (1709-1784}) 

53 

Cfie  il3eto  Cotjenant 

JiJEHOLD,  the  days  come,  saith  Jehovah,  that  I  will 
?^make  a  new  covenant  with  the  house  of  Israel,  and 
with  the  house  of  Judah:  not  according  to  the  covenant 
that  I  made  with  their  fathers  in  the  day  that  I  took 
them  by  the  hand  to  bring  them  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt ; 
which  my  covenant  they  brake,  although  I  was  a  husband 
unto  them,  saith  Jehovah.  But  this  is  the  covenant  that 
I  will  make  with  the  house  of  Israel  after  those  days,  saith 
Jehovah:  I  will  put  my  law  in  their  inward  parts,  and  in 
their  heart  will  I  write  it;  and  I  will  be  their  God,  and 
they  shall  be  my  people.  And  they  shall  teach  no  more 
every  man  his  neighbor,  and  every  man  his  brother,  say- 
ing, Know  Jehovah;  for  they  shall  all  know  me,  from 
the  least  of  them  unto  the  greatest  of  them,  saith  Je- 
hovah ;  for  I  will  forgive  their  iniquity,  and  their  sin  will 
I  remember  no  more.  Jeremiah  31 :31-34 


126  Morning  Readings 

O  God  of  unchangeable  power  and  eternal  light,  look 
favorably  on  the  whole  body  of  those  in  whom  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  dwells,  and  by  Thy  perpetual  providence  carry 
out  the  work  of  man's  salvation;  that  all  manner  of 
tyranny  and  wrong  may  be  cast  down,  and  things  which 
had  grown  old  be  made  new,  and  all  things  return  to 
perfection,  through  Him  from  whom  they  took  their 
origin;  even  through  the  Word  of  Thy  Counsel,  and  the 
Breathing  of  Thy  Life,  who  art  the  living  God. — ^Amen. 
Rowland  Williams  (1817-1870) 

MIfto  TSeatetj)  tfte  Sniquitg? 

J^ET  say  ye.  Wherefore  doth  not  the  son  bear  the 
(>i  iniquity  of  the  father?  When  the  son  hath  done 
that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  and  hath  kept  all  my 
statutes,  and  hath  done  them,  he  shall  surely  live.  The 
soul  that  sinneth,  it  shall  die:  the  son  shall  not  bear  the 
iniquity  of  the  father,  neither  shall  the  father  bear  the 
iniquity  of  the  son;  the  righteousness  of  the  righteous 
shall  be  upon  him,  and  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  shall 
be  upon  him. 

But  if  the  wicked  turn  from  all  his  sins  that  he  hath 
committed,  and  keep  all  my  statutes,  and  do  that  which 
is  lawful  and  right,  he  shall  surely  live,  he  shall  not  die. 
None  of  his  transgressions  that  he  hath  committed  shall 
be  remembered  against  him:  in  his  righteousness  that  he 
hath  done  he  shall  live.  Have  I  any  pleasure  in  the  death 
of  the  wicked.'^  saith  the  Lord  Jehovah;  and  not  rather 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  127 

that  he  should  return  from  his  way,  and  live?  But  when 
the  righteous  turneth  away  from  his  righteousness,  and 
committeth  iniquity,  and  doeth  according  to  all  the 
abominations  that  the  wicked  man  doeth,  shall  he  live? 
None  of  his  righteous  deeds  that  he  hath  done  shall  be 
remembered:  in  his  trespass  that  he  hath  trespassed,  and 
in  his  sin  that  he  hath  sinned,  in  them  shall  he  die. 

Therefore  I  will  judge  you,  O  house  of  Israel,  every 
one  according  to  his  ways,  saith  the  Lord  Jehovah.  Re- 
turn ye,  and  turn  yourselves  from  all  your  transgres- 
sions; so  iniquity  shall  not  be  your  ruin.  Cast  away 
from  you  all  your  transgressions,  wherein  ye  have  trans- 
gressed; and  make  you  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit:  for 
why  will  ye  die,  O  house  of  Israel?  For  I  have  no  pleas- 
ure in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth,  saith  the  Lord  Je- 
hovah: wherefore  turn  yourselves,  and  live. 

EzeUel  18:19-24,  30-32 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  who  hates t  noth- 
ing that  thou  hast  made,  nor  desireth  the  death  of  a  sin- 
ner, look  down  with  mercy  upon  us,  and  grant  that  we 
may  turn  from  our  wickedness  and  live.  Forgive  the 
days  and  years  which  we  have  passed  in  folly,  idleness 
and  sin.  Fill  us  with  such  sorrow  for  the  time  mis- 
spent, that  we  may  amend  our  lives  according  to  Thy 
holy  word;  strengthen  us  against  habitual  idleness,  and 
enable  us  to  direct  our  thoughts  to  the  performance  of 
every  duty,  that  while  we  live  we  may  serve  thee  in  the 
state  to  which  thou  shalt  call  us,  and  at  last  .  ,  ,  obtain 
eternal  happiness  by  thy  mercy. — Amen. 

Samuel  Johnson  (1709-1784) 


128  Morning  Readings 

55 

(WND  the  word  of  Jehovah  came  unto  me,  saying,  Son 
<*^of  man,  speak  to  the  children  of  thy  people,  and  say 
unto  them,  When  I  bring  the  sword  upon  a  land,  and  the 
people  of  the  land  take  a  man  from  among  them,  and  set 
him  for  their  watchman ;  if,  when  he  seeth  the  sword  come 
upon  the  land,  he  blow  the  trumpet,  and  warn  the  peo- 
ple; then  whosoever  heareth  the  sound  of  the  trumpet, 
and  taketh  not  warning,  if  the  sword  come,  and  take  him 
away,  his  blood  shall  be  upon  his  own  head.  He  heard 
the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  and  took  not  warning;  his 
blood  shall  be  upon  him ;  whereas  if  he  had  taken  warning, 
he  would  have  delivered  his  soul. 

So  thou,  son  of  man,  I  have  set  thee  a  watchman  unto 
the  house  of  Israel ;  therefore  hear  the  word  at  my  mouth, 
and  give  them  warning  from  me.  Say  unto  them,  As  I 
live,  saith  the  Lord  Jehovah,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the 
death  of  the  wicked;  but  that  the  wicked  turn  from  his 
way  and  live:  turn  ye,  turn  je  from  your  evil  ways;  for 
why  will  ye  die,  O  house  of  Israel?  And  thou,  son  of 
man,  say  unto  the  children  of  thy  people,  The  righteous- 
ness of  the  righteous  shall  not  deliver  him  in  the  day  of 
his  transgression;  and  as  for  the  wickedness  of  the 
wicked,  he  shall  not  fall  thereby  in  the  day  that  he  turn- 
eth  from  his  wickedness ;  neither  shall  he  that  is  righteous 
be  able  to  live  thereby  in  the  day  that  he  sinneth.  When 
I  say  to  the  righteous,  that  he  shall  surely  live;  if  he 
trust  to  his  righteousness,  and  commit  iniquity,  none  of 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  129 

his  righteous  deeds  shall  be  remembered;  but  in  his 
iniquity  that  he  hath  committed,  therein  shall  he  die. 
Again,  when  I  say,  unto  the  wicked.  Thou  shalt  surely 
die;  if  he  turn  from  his  sin,  and  do  that  which  is  lawful 
and  right;  if  the  wicked  restore  the  pledge,  give  again 
that  which  he  had  taken  by  robbery,  walk  in  the  statutes 
of  life,  committing  no  iniquity;  he  shall  surely  live,  he 
shall  not  die.  None  of  his  sins  that  he  hath  committed 
shall  be  remembered  against  him:  he  hath  done  that 
which  is  lawful  and  right ;  he  shall  surely  live. 

Ezekiel  SS:l-5,'7,  11-17 

Almighty  and  eternal  God,  there  is  no  number  of  Thy 
days  or  of  Thy  mercies :  Thou  hast  sent  us  into  this  world 
to  serve  Thee,  and  to  live  according  to  Thy  laws.  0 
dear  Lord,  look  upon  us  in  mercy  and  pity :  let  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  lead  us  through  this  world  with  safety  and  peace, 
with  holiness  and  religion,  with  spiritual  comforts  and 
joy;  that  when  we  have  served  Thee  in  our  generation, 
we  may  be  gathered  unto  our  fathers,  having  the  testi- 
mony of  a  holy  conscience,  in  the  confidence  of  a  certain 
faith,  and  the  comforts  of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and 
holy  hope,  and  perfect  charity  with  Thee  our  God  and 
all  the  world ;  that  neither  death  nor  life,  nor  angels  nor 
principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things 
to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature, 
may  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God. — ^Amen. 

Jeremi/  Taylor  (1613-1667) 


130  Morning  Readings 


® 


56 

Cfte  l^i^ion  of  Dtp  OSoneg 

1 1  HE  hand  of  Jehovah  was  upon  me,  and  he  brought 
i^me  out  in  the  Spirit  of  Jehovah,  and  set  me  down  in 
the  midst  of  the  valley ;  and  it  was  full  of  bones.  And  he 
caused  me  to  pass  by  them  round  about:  and,  behold, 
there  were  very  many  in  the  open  valley;  and,  lo,  they 
were  very  dry.  And  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  can 
these  bones  live?  And  I  answered,  0  Lord  Jehovah, 
thou  knowest.  Again  he  said  unto  me.  Prophesy  over 
these  bones,  and  say  unto  them,  0  ye  dry  bones,  hear 
the  word  of  Jehovah.  Thus  saith  the  Lord  Jehovah  unto 
these  bones :  Behold,  I  will  cause  breath  to  enter  into  you, 
and  ye  shall  live.  And  I  will  lay  sinews  upon  you,  and 
will  bring  up  flesh  upon  you,  and  cover  you  with  skin, 
and  put  breath  in  you,  and  ye  shall  live;  and  ye  shall 
know  that  I  am  Jehovah. 

So  I  prophesied  as  I  was  commanded :  and  as  I  prophe- 
sied, there  was  a  noise,  and,  behold,  an  earthquake;  and 
the  bones  came  together,  bone  to  its  bone.  And  I  be- 
held, and,  lo,  there  were  sinews  upon  them,  and  flesh 
came  up,  and  skin  covered  them  above;  but  there  was  no 
breath  in  them.  Then  said  he  unto  me.  Prophesy  unto 
the  wind,  prophesy,  son  of  man,  and  say  to  the  wind, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  Jehovah :  Come  from  the  four  winds, 
O  breath,  and  breathe  upon  these  slain,  that  they  may 
live.  So  I  prophesied  as  he  commanded  me,  and  the 
breath  came  into  them,  and  they  lived,  and  stood  up  upon 
their  feet,  an  exceeding  great  army. 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  131 

Then  he  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man,  these  bones  are 
the  whole  house  of  Israel:  behold,  they  say.  Our  bones 
are  dried  up,  and  our  hope  is  lost;  we  are  clean  cut  off. 
Therefore  prophesy,  and  say  unto  them.  Thus  saith  the 
Lord  Jehovah :  Behold,  I  will  open  your  graves,  and  cause 
you  to  come  up  out  of  your  graves,  O  my  people;  and  I 
will  bring  you  into  the  land  of  Israel.  And  I  will  put 
my  Spirit  in  you,  and  ye  shall  live,  and  I  will  place  you 
in  your  own  land:  and  ye  shall  know  that  I,  Jehovah, 
have  spoken  it  and  performed  it,  saith  Jehovah. 

Ezekiel  37 :1-12,  14< 

We  are  evil,  0  God,  and  help  us  to  see  it  and  amend. 
We  are  good,  and  help  us  to  be  better.  Look  down  upon 
thy  servants  \^dth  a  patient  eye,  even  as  Thou  sendest 
sun  and  rain;  look  down,  call  upon  the  dry  bones, 
quicken,  enliven ;  re-create  in  us  the  soul  of  service,  the 
spirit  of  peace;  renew  in  us  the  sense  of  joy. — Amen. 
Robert  Louis  Stevenson  (1850-1894*) 

57 

mt  mm  malk  in  m  iSame  of  3Iei)otoaf),  ffl)ur 

aoD 

JJJUT  in  the  latter  days  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  the 
?^mountain  of  Jehovah's  house  shall  be  established  on 
the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  it  shall  be  exalted  above 
the  hills;  and  peoples  shall  flow  unto  it.  And  many 
nations  shall  go  and  say.  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to 
the  mountain  of  Jehovah,  and  to  the  house  of  the  God 
of  Jacob;  and  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will 


132  Morning  Readings 

walk  in  his  paths.  For  out  of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the 
law,  and  the  word  of  Jehovah  from  Jerusalem;  and  he 
will  judge  between  many  peoples,  and  will  decide  con- 
cerning strong  nations  afar  off:  and  they  shall  beat  their 
swords  into  plowshares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning- 
hooks;  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation, 
neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more.  But  they  shall 
sit  every  man  under  his  vine  and  under  his  fig-tree;  and 
none  shall  make  them  afraid:  for  the  mouth  of  Jehovah 
of  hosts  hath  spoken  it.  For  all  the  peoples  walk  every 
one  in  the  name  of  his  god :  and  we  will  walk  in  the  name 
of  Jehovah  our  God  for  ever  and  ever. 

Micah  4:1-5 

Whoever  walks  in  thy  presence,  O  Lord,  is  in  the  path 
to  perfection.  We  never  depart  from  this  holy  way  but 
we  lose  sight  of  Thee,  and  cease  to  behold  Thee  in  every- 
thing. Alas ;  where  shall  we  go  when  we  no  longer  see 
Thee,  Thee  who  art  our  light,  and  the  only  goal  to  which 
our  steps  should  tend?  To  have  our  eyes  fixed  on  Thee 
in  every  step  we  take,  is  our  only  security  that  we  shall 
never  go  astray.  Faith !  beaming  with  light  amidst  the 
darkness  that  surrounds  us,  we  behold  Thee  with  thy  look 
of  holy  love  and  trust,  leading  man  to  perfection.  O 
God,  we  will  fix  our  eyes  on  Thee ;  we  will  behold  Thee  in 
everything  that  is  around  us.  Our  hearts  shall  still  see 
Thee  in  the  midst  of  the  busy  cares  of  life,  in  all  its  du- 
ties, in  all  its  concerns;  for  they  shall  be  fulfilled  in 
obedience  to  thy  will.  "I  will  lift  up  my  eyes  unto  the 
holy  hills,  whence  cometh  my  strength." — ^Amen. 

Fenelon  (1651-1715) 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  133 

58 

Cfte  Crue  Sacrifice 

<TJ|^  HEREWITH  shall  I  come  before  Jehovah,  and 
^^''^^^bow  myself  before  the  high  God?  shall  I  come  be- 
fore him  with  burnt-offerings,  with  calves  a  year  old? 
will  Jehovah  be  pleased  with  thousands  of  rams,  or  with 
ten  thousands  of  rivers  of  oil?  shall  I  give  my  first-bom 
for  my  transgression,  the  fruit  of  my  body  for  the  sin 
of  my  soul?  He  hath  showed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good; 
and  what  doth  Jehovah  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly, 
and  to  love  kindness,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God? 

As  for  me,  I  will  look  unto  Jehovah;  I  will  wait  for 
the  God  of  my  salvation:  my  God  will  hear  me.  Rejoice 
not  against  me,  O  mine  enemy :  when  I  fall,  I  shall  arise ; 
when  I  sit  in  darkness,  Jehovah  will  be  a  light  unto  me. 
I  will  bear  the  indignation  of  Jehovah,  because  I  have 
sinned  against  him,  until  he  plead  my  cause,  and  execute 
judgment  for  me:  he  will  bring  me  forth  to  the  light,  and 
I  shall  behold  his  righteousness. 

Who  is  a  God  like  unto  thee,  that  pardoneth  iniquity, 
and  passeth  over  the  transgression  of  the  remnant  of  his 
heritage?  he  retaineth  not  his  anger  for  ever,  because  he 
delighteth  in  lovingkindness.  He  will  again  have  com- 
passion upon  us ;  he  will  tread  our  iniquities  under  foot ; 
and  thou  wilt  cast  all  their  sins  into  the  depths  of  the 
sea.  Thou  wilt  perform  the  truth  to  Jacob,  and  the  lov- 
ingkindness to  Abraham,  which  thou  hast  sworn  unto  our 
fathers  from  the  days  of  old. 

ilfica/fc  6:6-8;  7:7-9, 18-20 


134  Morning  Readings 

0  Lord,  help  us  to  turn  and  seek  Thee;  for  Thou  hast 
not  forsaken  Thy  creatures  as  we  have  forsaken  Thee, 
our  Creator.  Let  us  turn  and  seek  Thee,  for  we  know 
Thou  art  here  in  our  hearts,  when  we  confess  to  Thee, 
when  we  cast  ourselves  upon  Thee,  and  weep  in  Thy 
bosom,  after  all  our  rugged  ways;  and  Thou  dost  gently 
wipe  away  our  tears,  and  we  weep  the  more  for  joy; 
because  Thou,  Lord,  who  madest  us,  dost  remake  and 
comfort  us. 

Hear,  Lord,  our  prayer,  and  grant  that  we  may  most 
entirely  love  Thee,  and  do  Thou  rescue  us,  O  Lord, 
from  every  temptation,  even  unto  the  end. — ^Amen. 

St.  Augustine  (354-430) 

59 

^t  mm  iBtim  ^t  jrottj)  to  tu  mgu 

MOE  is  me !  for  I  am  as  when  they  have  gathered  the 
summer  fruits,  as  the  grape  gleanings  of  the 
vintage:  there  is  no  cluster  to  eat;  my  soul  desireth  the 
first-ripe  fig.  The  godly  man  is  perished  out  of  the 
earth,  and  there  is  none  upright  among  men:  they  all  lie 
in  wait  for  blood;  they  hunt  every  man  his  brother  with 
a  net.  Their  hands  are  upon  that  which  is  evil  to  do  it 
diligently;  the  prince  asketh,  and  the  judge  is  ready  for 
a  reward;  and  the  great  man,  he  uttereth  the  evil  desire 
of  his  soul:  thus  they  weave  it  together.  The  best  of 
them  is  as  a  brier ;  the  most  upright  is  worse  than  a  thorn 
hedge:  the  day  of  thy  watchmen,  even  thy  visitation,  is 
come ;  now  shall  be  their  perplexity. 


Teachings  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets  135 

But  as  for  me,  I  will  look  unto  Jehovah;  I  will  wait 
for  the  God  of  my  salvation :  my  God  will  hear  me.  Re- 
joice  not  against  me,  0  mine  enemy;  when  I  fall,  I  shall 
arise ;  when  I  sit  in  darkness,  Jehovah  will  be  a  light  unto 
me.  I  will  bear  the  indignation  of  Jehovah,  because  I 
have  sinned  against  him,  until  he  plead  my  cause,  and 
execute  judgment  for  me:  he  will  bring  me  forth  to  the 
light,  and  I  shall  behold  his  righteousness. 

Who  is  a  God  like  unto  thee,  that  pardoneth  iniquity, 
and  passeth  over  the  transgression  of  the  remnant  of 
his  heritage?  he  retaineth  not  his  anger  for  ever,  because 
he  delighteth  in  lovingkindness.  He  will  again  have  com- 
passion upon  us ;  he  will  tread  our  iniquities  under  foot ; 
and  thou  wilt  cast  all  their  sins  into  the  depths  of  the 
sea.  Thou  wilt  perform  the  truth  to  Jacob,  and  the 
lovingkindness  to  Abraham,  which  thou  hast  sworn  unto 
our  fathers  from  the  days  of  old. 

Micah  7:1-4,  7-9,  18-20 

We  bless  Thee,  our  Father  and  our  Friend,  for  all  that 
Thou  hast  given  us,  and  for  all  that  Thou  hast  taken 
from  us ;  for  all  our  trials  and  sorrows,  as  well  as  for 
all  our  joys.  Thou  hast  mercifully  led  us  through  this 
wilderness,  and  hast  borne  with  our  many  shortcomings 
and  evil-doings.  Thou  art  indeed  most  gracious  and 
glorious,  a  father  of  mercies  and  a  God  of  love.  Rouse 
these  sluggish  hearts  of  ours,  and  fill  them  with  grati- 
tude. And  be  with  us.  Lord,  for  the  time  to  come. — 
Amen, 

AshtoTb  Oxenden  (1808-1892) 


IV 

poetic  Wtitm& 


60 

S>ong  of  900000  ana  Qiiriam 

^J'EHOVAH  is  my  strength  and  song, 

ijf  And  he  is  become  my  salvation : 

This  is  my  God,  and  I  will  praise  him; 

My  father's  God,  and  I  will  exalt  him. 

Thy  right  hand,  O  Jehovah,  is  glorious  in  power, 

Thy  right  hand,  O  Jehovah,  dasheth  in  pieces  the  enemy. 

Who  is  like  unto  thee,  O  Jehovah,  among  the  gods? 

Who  is  like  thee,  glorious  in  holiness. 

Fearful  in  praises,  doing  wonders? 

Thou  in  thy  lovingkindness  hast  led  the  people  that  thou 
hast  redeemed : 

Thou  hast  guided  them  in  thy  strength  to  thy  holy  habi- 
tation. 

Thou  wilt  bring  them  in,  and  plant  them  in  the  mountain 
of  thine  inheritance, 

The  place,  O  Jehovah,  which  thou  hast  made  for  thee  to 
dwell  in. 

The   sanctuary,   O   Lord,   which  thy  hands  have   estab- 
lished. 

Jehovah  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

Exodm  15:2,  6,  11,  13,  17,  18 

Grant  unto  us.  Almighty  God,  that  that  glory  which 

filleth  earth  and  heaven  may  also  fill  our  hearts ;  that  we, 

139 


140  Mommg  Readings 

being  glorified  by  Thy  graciousness,  made  happy  by  Thy 
love,  made  hopeful  by  Thy  promise,  may  praise  and 
magnify  Thy  holy  Name,  until  such  time  as  the  praising 
of  Thy  holy  Name  shall  lead  us  to  the  doing  of  Thy 
holy  will;  that  we,  becoming  perfectly  obedient  there- 
unto, may  possess  the  life  of  God  in  the  days  of  time, 
that  so,  in  the  eternal  years,  we  may  be  for  ever  Thine. 
Receive  our  thanksgivings,  forgive  our  sins,  strengthen 
our  hope,  make  deep  our  faith;  that  so,  all  the  days  of 
this  our  mortal  life,  we,  keeping  Thy  commandments,  and 
leaning  ever  upon  Thy  mercy,  may  pass  on  our  way  un- 
til we,  through  the  gate  of  death,  enter  into  the  life 
everlasting. — ^Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 

61 

Cfte  S)ong  of  9^0000 

>|XIVE  ear,  ye  heavens,  and  I  will  speak ; 

^^And  let  the  earth  hear  the  words  of  my  mouth. 

For  I  will  proclaim  the  name  of  Jehovah: 

Ascribe  ye  greatness  unto  our  God. 

The  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect; 

For  all  his  ways  are  justice: 

A  God  of  faithfulness  and  without  iniquity, 

Just  and  right  is  he. 

Remember  the  days  of  old. 

Consider  the  years  of  many  generations: 

Ask  thy  father,  and  he  will  show  thee ; 

Thine  elders,  and  they  will  tell  thee. 


Poetic  Writings  141 


He  found  him  in  a  desert  land, 

And  in  the  waste  howling  wilderness ; 

He  compassed  him  about,  he  cared  for  him, 

He  kept  him  as  the  apple  of  his  eye. 

As  an  eagle  that  stirreth  up  her  nest, 

That  fluttereth  over  her  young. 

He  spread  abroad  his  wings,  he  took  them. 

He  bare  them  on  his  pinions. 

Jehovah  alone  did  lead  him. 

And  there  was  no  foreign  god  with  him. 

He  made  him  ride  on  the  high  places  of  the  earthi, 

And  he  did  eat  the  increase  of  the  field ; 

And  he  made  him  to  suck  honey  out  of  the  rock, 

And  oil  out  of  the  flinty  rock ; 

Then  he  forsook  God  who  made  him. 

And  lightly  esteemed  the  Rock  of  his  salvation. 

They  sacrificed  unto  demons,  which  were  no  God, 

To  gods  that  they  knew  not. 

To  new  gods  that  came  up  of  late. 

Which  your  fathers  dreaded  not. 

Of  the  Rock  that  begat  thee  thou  art  unmindful. 

And  hast  forgotten  God  that  gave  thee  birth. 

And  Jehovah  saw  it,  and  abhorred  theiriy 

Because  of  the  provocation  of  his  sons  and  his  daughters. 

And  he  said,  I  will  hide  my  face  from  them, 

I  will  see  what  their  end  shall  be: 

For  they  are  a  very  perverse  generation,  ' 

Children  in  whom  is  no  faithfulness. 

Oh  that  they  were  wise,  that  they  understood  this, 

That  they  would  consider  their  latter  end! 

How  should  one  chase  a  thousand. 


142  Mornmg  Readings 

And  two  put  ten  thousand  to  flight, 
Except  their  Rock  had  sold  them, 
And  Jehovah  had  delivered  them  up? 
For  their  rock  is  not  as  our  Rock, 
Even  our  enemies  themselves  being  judges. 

Deuteronomy  62:1,  3,  4,  7,  10-13,  15,  17-20,  29-31 

Blessed  is  our  God,  who  hath  created  us  for  his  glory, 
and  hath  separated  us  from  them  that  go  astray,  and  hath 
given  us  the  Law  of  truth  and  planted  everlasting  life  in 
our  midst.  May  he  open  our  heart  unto  his  Law,  and 
place  his  love  and  fear  within  our  hearts,  that  we  may 
do  his  will  and  serve  him  with  a  perfect  heart,  that  we 
may  not  labor  in  vain,  nor  bring  forth  confusion;  that 
we  may  keep  thy  statutes  in  this  world,  and  be  worthy 
to  live  to  witness  and  inherit  happiness  and  blessing  in 
the  life  of  the  world  to  come. 

Jewish  Prayer  Booh 

DatoiD'0  P0alm  of  praise 

QTND  David  spake  unto  Jehovah  the  words  of  this  song 

^*^in  the  day  that  Jehovah  delivered  him  out  of  the  hand 

of  all  his  enemies,  and  out  of  the  hand  of  Saul:  and  he 

said, 

Jehovah  is  my  rock,  and  my  fortress,  and  my  deliverer, 

even  mine; 
God,  my  rock,  in  him  will  I  take  refuge; 
My  shield,  and  the  horn  of  my  salvation,  my  high  tower, 

and  my  refuge; 


Poetic  Writings  143 


My  saviour,  thou  savest  me  from  violence. 

He  sent  from  on  high,  he  took  me; 

He  drew  me  out  of  many  waters; 

He  delivered  me  from  my  strong  enemy, 

From  them  that  hated  me;  for  they  were  too  mighty 
for  me. 

They  came  upon  me  in  the  day  of  my  calamity ; 

But  Jehovah  was  my  stay. 

Jehovah  rewarded  me  according  to  my  righteousness; 

According  to  the  cleanness  of  my  hands  hath  he  recom- 
pensed me. 

For  I  have  kept  the  ways  of  Jehovah, 

And  have  not  wickedly  departed  from  my  God. 

With  the  merciful  thou  wilt  show  thyself  merciful; 

With  the  perfect  man  thou  wilt  show  thyself  perfect; 

With  the  pure  thou  wilt  show  thyself  pure ; 

And  with  the  perverse  thou  wilt  show  thyself  froward. 

And  the  afflicted  people  thou  wilt  save ; 

As  for  God,  his  way  is  perfect: 

The  word  of  Jehovah  is  tried; 

He  is  a  shield  unto  all  them  that  take  refuge  in  him. 

For  who  is  God,  save  Jehovah? 

And  who  is  a  rock,  save  our  God? 

God  is  my  strong  fortress ; 

And  he  guideth  the  perfect  in  his  way. 

//  Samuel  22:1-3,  17-19,  21,  22,  26-28,  31-33 

We  thank  Thee  that  Thou  hast  nowhere  left  Thyself 
without  a  witness,  but  everywhere  makest  revelations  of 
Thyself,  where  day  unto  day  uttereth  speech  of  Thee, 
and  night   unto   night   showeth  knowledge;   yea,   where 


144  Momimg  Readings 

there  is  no  other  voice  nor  language,  Thou,  Lord,  speak- 
est,  in  Thine  infinite  wisdom  and  Thy  boundless  love.  .  .  . 

We  remember  before  Thee  the  ages  that  are  past  and 
gone,  and  thank  Thee  for  the  great  men  whom  Thou 
causedst  to  spring  up  in  those  days,  great  flowers  of 
humanity,  whose  seeds  have  been  scattered  broadcast 
along  the  world,  making  the  solitary  place  into  a  gar- 
den, and  the  wilderness  to  blossom  like  a  rose.  .  ,  . 

In  the  stem  duties  which  are  before  us,  Father  in 
heaven,  may  Thy  light  bum  clear  in  our  tabernacle,  and 
when  Thou  callest  us  may  our  lamps  be  trimmed  and 
burning,  our  loins  girt  about,  our  feet  readily  sandalled 
for  the  road,  and  our  souls  prepared  for  Thee.  Thus 
may  Thy  kingdom  come,  and  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth 
as  it  is  in  heaven. — Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 

63 

Dai)iD'0  P0alm  of  Ct)anb00itimg 

(^ND  they  brought  in  the  ark  of  God,  and  set  it  in 
<*^the  midst  of  the  tent  that  David  had  pitched  for  it: 
and  they  offered  bumt-offerings  and  peace-offerings  be- 
fore God. 

Then  on  that  day  did  David  first  ordain  to  give  thanks 
unto  Jehovah,  by  the  hand  of  Asaph  and  his  brethren. 
O  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah,  call  upon  his  name; 
Make  known  his  doings  among  the  peoples. 
Show  forth  his  salvation  from  day  to  day. 
Declare  his  glory  among  the  nations, 
His  marvellous  works  among  all  the  peoples. 


Poetic  Writings  145 


For  great  is  Jehovah,  and  greatly  to  be  praised: 
He  also  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 
For  all  the  gods  of  the  peoples  are  idols : 
But  Jehovah  made  the  heavens. 
Honor  and  majesty  are  before  him: 
Strength  and  gladness  are  in  his  place. 
Ascribe  unto  Jehovah,  ye  kindreds  of  the  peoples, 
Ascribe  unto  Jehovah  glory  and  strength; 
Ascribe  unto  Jehovah  the  glory  due  unto  his  name: 
Bring  an  offering,  and  come  before  him; 
Worship  Jehovah  in  holy  array* 
Tremble  before  him,  all  the  earth: 

The  world  also  is  established  that  it  cannot  be  moved. 
Let  the  heavens  be  glad,  and  let  the  earth  rejoice; 
And  let  them  say  among  the  nations,  Jehovah  reigneth. 
Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof ; 
Let  the  field  exult,  and  all  that  is  therein; 
Then  shall  the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  for  joy  before  Je- 
hovah ; 
For  he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth. 
O  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah ;  for  he  is  good ; 
For  his  lovingkindness  endwreth  for  ever. 
And  say  ye,  Save  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation, 
And  gather  us  together  and  deliver  us  from  the  nations. 
To  give  thanks  unto  thy  holy  name. 
And  to  triumph  in  thy  praise. 
Blessed  be  Jehovah,  the  God  of  Israel, 
From  everlasting  even  to  everlasting. 
And  all  the  people  said.  Amen,  and  praised  Jehovah. 

/  Chronicles  16:1,7,8,  23  36 


146  Morning  Headings 

We  give  Thee  thanks,  jca,  more  than  thanks,  O  Lord 
our  God,  for  all  Thy  goodness  at  all  times  and  in  all 
places,  because  Thou  hast  sliielded,  rescued,  helped,  and 
guided  us  all  the  days  of  our  lives,  and  brouglit  us  unto 
this  hour.  We  pray  and  beseech  Thee,  merciful  God,  to 
grant  in  Thy  goodness  that  we  may  spend  this  day,  and 
all  the  time  of  our  lives,  without  sin,  in  fulness  of  joy, 
holiness,  and  reverence  of  Thee.  But  drive  away  from 
us,  O  Lord,  all  envy,  all  fear,  and  all  temptations.  Be- 
stow upon  us  what  is  good  and  meet.  Whatever  sin  we 
commit  in  thought,  word,  or  deed,  do  Thou  in  Tliy  good- 
ness and  merc}^  be  pleased  to  pardon.  And  lead  us  not 
into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil. — Amen. 

Liturgy  of  St.  Mark  (175-254?) 

64 

^appg  30  tt)t  C^m  MJftom  ©oti  Correctetf) 


EHOLD,  happy  is  the  man  whom  God  correcteth: 
Therefore   despise   not   thou   the   chastening   of   the 
Almight3\ 

For  he  maketh  sore,  and  bindeth  up ; 

He  woundeth,  and  his  hands  make  whole. 

He  will  deliver  thee  in  six  troubles; 

Yea,  in  seven  there  shall  no  evil  touch  thee. 

In  famine  he  will  redeem  thee  from  death ; 

And  in  war  from  the  power  of  the  sword. 

Thou  shalt  be  hid  from  the  scourge  of  the  tongue ; 

Neither  shalt  thou  be  afraid  of  destruction  when  it  Com- 
eth. 


Poetic   Writings  147 


At  destruction  and  dearth  thou  shalt  laugh; 

Neither  shalt  thou  be  afraid  of  the  beasts  of  the  earth. 

For  thou  shalt  be  in  league  with  the  stones  of  the  field; 

And  the  beasts  of  the  field  shall  be  at  peace  with  thee. 

And  thou  shalt  know  that  thy  tent  is  in  peace; 

And  thou  shalt  visit  thy  fold,  and  shalt  miss  nothing. 

Thou  shalt  know  also  that  thy  seed  shall  be  great, 

And  thine  offspring  as  the  grass  of  the  earth. 

Thou  shalt  come  to  thy  grave  in  a  full  age. 

Like  as  a  shock  of  grain  cometh  in  in  its  season. 

Job  5:17-26 

Almighty  God,  who  art  the  Strength  of  all  who  put 
their  trust  in  Thee,  grant  unto  us  in  the  midst  of  the 
troubles  of  this  mortal  life,  that,  being  confident  in  Thy 
wisdom  and  goodness,  and  Thine  abiding  love,  we  may 
endure  all  things  in  a  quiet  spirit,  seeking  ever  in  the 
midst  of  the  things  of  this  world  to  meditate  oft-times 
upon  the  divine  peace,  and  the  heavenly  rest  of  the  glori- 
fied spirits  of  light ;  and  being  held  up  by  Thy  mercy, 
may  neither  faint  nor  fear,  but  j)ass  on,  doing  faithfully 
the  duties  of  life,  and,  in  our  last  hour,  supported  by 
the  Everlasting  arms,  we  beseech  Thee  to  guide  us  into 
the  life  everlasting. — Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


148  Mornmg  Readings 


65 


0^m  M  £Xuicfe  to  jFinD  Q^aterial  Ctea0ure$ 
mbttt  S)l}all  J^e  jTinD  tOi^Domi' 

URELY  there  is  a  mine  for  silver, 
And  a  place  for  gold  which  they  refine. 

Iron  is  taken  out  of  the  earth, 

And  copper  is  molten  out  of  the  stone. 

Man  setteth  an  end  to  darkness. 

And  searcheth  out,  to  the  furthest  bound, 

The  stones  of  obscurity  and  of  thick  darkness. 

That  path  no  bird  of  prey  knoweth. 

Neither  hath  the  falcon's  eye  seen  it: 

The  proud  beasts  have  not  trodden  it. 

Nor  hath  the  fierce  lion  passed  thereby. 

He  putteth  forth  his  hand  upon  the  flinty  rock ; 

He  overturneth  the  mountains  by  the  roots. 

He  cutteth  out  channels  among  the  rocks; 

And  his  eye  seeth  every  precious  thing. 

But  where  shall  wisdom  be  found? 

And  where  is  the  place  of  understanding? 

Man  knoweth  not  the  price  thereof; 

Neither  is  it  found  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

The  deep  saith,  It  is  not  in  me ; 

And  the  sea  saith,  It  is  not  with  me. 

It  cannot  be  gotten  for  gold. 

Neither  shall  silver  be  weighed  for  the  price  thereof. 

And  where  is  the  place  of  understanding? 

Seeing  it  is  hid  from  the  eyes  of  all  living, 

And  kept  close  from  the  birds  of  the  heavens. 


Poetic   Writings  149 


Destruction  and  Death  say, 

We  have  heard  a  rumor  thereof  with  our  ears. 

God  understandeth  the  way  thereof, 

And  he  knoweth  the  place  thereof. 

When  he  made  a  decree  for  the  rain. 

And  a  way  for  the  hghtning  of  the  thunder; 

Then  did  he  see  it,  and  declare  it; 

He  established  it,  yea,  and  searched  it  out. 

And  unto  man  he  said. 

Behold,  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  that  is  wisdom; 

And  to  depart  from  evil  is  understanding. 

Job  28  :l-3,  7-10,  12-15,  21-23,  26-28 

0  God  of  our  fathers,  and  Lord  of  mercy,  who  hast 
made  all  things  with  thy  word,  and  ordained  man  through 
thy  wisdom,  that  he  should  have  dominion  over  the  crea- 
tures which  thou  hast  made,  and  order  the  world  ac- 
cording to  equity  and  righteousness,  and  execute  judg- 
ment with  an  upright  heart ;  give  us  wisdom  that  sitteth 
by  thy  throne,  and  reject  us  not  from  among  thy  chil- 
dren: for  though  a  man  be  never  so  perfect  among  the 
children  of  men,  yet  if  thy  wisdom  be  not  with  him,  he 
shall  be  nothing  regarded.  For  the  thoughts  of  men 
are  miserable,  and  our  devices  are  but  uncertain.  For 
the  corruptible  body  presseth  down  the  soul,  and  the 
earthly  tabernacle  weigheth  down  the  mind  that  museth 
upon  many  things.  And  hardly  do  we  guess  aright  at 
things  that  are  upon  earth,  and  with  labor  do  we  find 
the  things  that  are  before  us:  but  the  tilings  that  are 
in  heaven,  who  hath  searched  out?  and  thy  counsel,  who 
hath  known,  except  ,thou  give  wisdom,  and  send  thy  Holy 


150  Mommg  Readings 

Spirit  from  above?  For  so  the  ways  of  them  which 
Hved  on  the  earth  were  reformed,  and  men  were  taught 
the  things  that  are  pleasing  unto  thee,  and  were  saved 
through  wisdom. 

"Wisdom  of  Solomon" — ^An  apocryphal  book  written 
labout  100  A.  D, 

66 

Cfte  Jfir0t  P0alm 

2IJLESSED  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  coun- 

J^     sel  of  the  wicked. 

Nor  standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners. 

Nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  scoffers: 

But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  Jehovah; 

And  on  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day  and  night. 

And  he  shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  streams   of 

water. 
That  bringeth  forth  its  fruit  in  its  season. 
Whose  leaf  also  doth  not  wither; 
And  whatsoever  he  doeth  shall  prosper. 
The  wicked  are  not  so, 

But  are  like  the  chaff  which  the  wind  driveth  away. 
Therefore  the  wicked  shall  not  stand  in  the  judgment, 
Nor  sinners  in  the  congregation  of  the  righteous. 
For  Jehovah  knoweth  the  way  of  the  righteous ; 
But  the  way  of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 

Psalm  1 

O  God,  who  art  the  great  deep  of  eternal  peace,  and 
the  vast  sea  of  love,  and  the  fountain  of  all  blessings, 


Poetic  Writings  151 


and  ever  sendest  peace  upon  men  of  peace,  open  to  us 
this  day  the  sea  of  Thy  love,  and  water  us  with  plente- 
ous streams  from  the  riches  of  Thy  grace  and  from  the 
fresh  springs  of  Thy  benignity.  Make  us  children  of 
quietness  and  heirs  of  peace.  Enkindle  in  us  the  fire  of 
Thy  love;  sow  in  us  Thy  fear;  strengthen  our  weak- 
ness by  Thy  power;  bind  us  closely  to  Thee  and  to  each 
other  in  a  holy  bond  of  unity. — ^Amen. 

Rowlcmd  Williams  (1817-1870) 

67 

©itie  ©at  to  Q^g  mott$,  m  iLotD 

y|JClVE  ear  to  my  words,  O  Jehovah, 

^^^Consider  my  meditation. 

Hearken  unto  the  voice  of  my  cry,  my  King,  and  my  God ; 

For  unto  thee  do  I  pray. 

O  Jehovah,  in  the  morning  shalt  thou  hear  my  voice; 

In  the  morning  will  I  order  tut/  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will 
keep  watch. 

For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  hath  pleasure  in  wicked- 
ness: 

Evil  shall  not  sojourn  with  thee. 

The  arrogant  shall  not  stand  in  thy  sight: 

Thou  hatest  all  workers   of  iniquity. 

Lead  me,  O  Jehovah,  in  thy  righteousness  because  of 
mine  enemies ; 

Make  thy  way  straight  before  my  face. 

But  let  all  those  that  take  refuge  in  thee  rejoice. 

Let  them  ever  shout  for  joy,  because  thou  defendest  them: 


162  Morning  Readings 

Let  them  also  that  love  thy  name  be  joyful  in  thee. 
For  thou  wilt  bless  the  righteous ; 

O  Jehovah,  thou  wilt  compass  him  with  favor  as  with  a 
shield. 

PsalM5il-6,  8,  11,  12 

O  God  our  Lord,  the  stay  of  all  them  that  put  their 
trust  in  Thee,  wherever  Thou  leadest  we  would  go,  for 
Thy  ways  are  perfect  wisdom  and  love.  Even  when  we 
walk  through  the  dark  valley.  Thy  light  can  shine  into 
our  hearts  and  guide  us  safely  through  the  night  of  sor- 
row. Be  Thou  our  Friend,  and  we  need  ask  no  more  in 
heaven  or  earth;  for  Thou  art  the  Comfort  of  all  who 
trust  in  Thee,  the  Help  and  Defence  of  all  who  hope  in 
Thee.  O  Lord,  we  would  be  Thine ;  let  us  never  fall  away 
from  Thee.  We  would  accept  all  things  without  mur- 
muring from  Thy  hand,  for  whatever  Thou  dost  is  right. 
Blend  our  wills  with  Thine,  and  then  we  need  fear  no  evil 
nor  death  itself,  for  all  things  must  work  together  for 
our  good.  Lord,  keep  us  in  Thy  love  and  truth;  com- 
fort us  with  Thy  light ;  and  guide  us  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit. 
— ^Amen. 

S.  Weiss  (1738-1805) 

68 

J^oto  (BntWtnt  M  Cftp  il3ame 

W^   JEHOVAH,  our  Lord, 

^^    How  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth, 

Who  hast  set  thy  glory  upon  the  heavens ! 

'When  I  consider  thy  heavens,  the  work  of  thy  fingers, 


Poetic  Writings  153 


The  moon  and  the  stars,  which  thou  hast  ordained; 

What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him? 

And  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him? 

For  thou  hast  made  him  but  little  lower  than  God, 

And  crownest  him  with  glory  and  honor. 

Thou  makest  him  to  have  dominion  over  the  works  of 

thy  hands ; 
Thou  hast  put  all  things  under  his  feet : 
All  sheep  and  oxen, 
Yea,  and  the  beasts  of  the  field. 
The  birds  of  the  heavens,  and  the  fish  of  the  sea, 
Whatsoever  passeth  through  the  paths  of  the  seas. 
O  Jehovah,  our  Lord, 
How  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth ! 

Psalm  8:1,  3-9 

O  Father,  we  pray  Thee  that  we  may  never  be  false 
to  the  great  glories  with  which  Thou  surroundest  us, 
under  our  feet,  and  over  our  head,  and  the  still  diviner 
glories  which  Thou  placest  in  our  heart  and  soul.  We 
pray  Thee  that  within  us  our  lives  may  be  blameless, 
every  faculty  active  and  at  its  work,  and  that  our  out- 
ward lives  may  be  useful,  and  all  our  existence  blame- 
less and  beautiful  in  Thy  sight,  0  Lord,  our  strength 
and  our  redeemer.  May  our  lives  be  marked  every  day 
by  some  new  lesson  that  we  have  learned,  some  duty  that 
we  have  done,  some  faithfulness  that  we  have  accom- 
plished; and  at  last,  when  our  mortal  pilgrimage  is 
ended,  take  us  to  Thyself,  0  Lord,  to  dwell  with  Thee, 
leaving  behind  us  the  memory  of  good  deeds,  and  bear- 
ing a  soul  disciplined  by  the  trials  of  life,  and  enlarged 


154  Morning  Readings 

by  its  blessings.  So  may  we  pass  from  glory  to  glory 
till  we  are  changed  into  Thine  own  image,  and  the  peace 
of  Thy  love  is  made  perfect  in  us. — Amen. 

Theodore  Parker. 

69 

Cftou  @itte0t  in  tfte  Cftrone  SfuDging 

3  WILL    give    thanks   unto   Jehovah   with   my   whole 
heart ; 
I  will  show  forth  all  thy  marvellous  works. 
I  will  be  glad  and  exult  in  thee; 
I  will  sing  praise  to  thy  name, 

O  thou  Most  High. 
For  thou  hast  maintained  my  right  and  my  cause; 
Thou  sittest  in  the  throne  judging  righteously. 

Jehovah  sitteth  as  king  for  ever: 
He  hath  prepared  his  throne  for  judgment; 
And  he  will  judge  the  world  in  righteousness. 
He  will  minister  judgment  to  the  peoples  in  uprightness. 
Jehovah  also  will  be  a  high  tower  for  the  oppressed, 
A  high  tower  in  times  of  trouble; 

And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their  trust  in  thee ; 
For  thou,  Jehovah,  hast  not   forsaken   them  that   seek 

thee. 
Sing  praises  to  Jehovah,  who  dwelleth  in  Zion : 
Declare  among  the  people  his  doings. 
For  the  needy  shall  not  alway  be  forgotten. 
Nor  the  expectation  of  the  poor  perish  for  ever. 

Psalm  9:1-2,  4,  7-11,  18 


Poetic  Writings  155 


O  Lord,  we  acknowledge  Thy  dominion  over  us;  our 
life,  our  death,  our  soul  and  body,  all  belong  to  Thee. 
Oh,  grant  that  we  may  willingly  consecrate  them  all  to 
Thee,  and  use  them  in  Thy  service.  Let  us  walk  before 
Thee  in  childlike  simplicity,  steadfast  in  prayer;  looking 
ever  unto  Thee,  that  whatsoever  we  do  or  abstain  from 
we  may  in  all  things  follow  the  least  indications  of  Thy 
will.  Become  Lord  of  our  hearts  and  spirits;  that  the 
whole  inner  man  may  be  brought  under  Thy  rule,  and 
that  Thy  life  of  love  and  righteousness  may  pervade  all 
our  thoughts  and  energies  and  the  very  ground  of  our 
souls ;  that  we  may  be  wholly  filled  with  it.  Come,  O 
Lord  and  King,  enter  into  our  hearts,  and  live  and  reign 
there  for  ever  and  ever.  O  faithful  Lord,  teach  us  to 
trust  Thee  for  life  and  death,  and  to  take  Thee  for  our 
All  in  All. — Amen. 

Gerhard  Tersteegen  (1697-1769) 

70 

Cfiou  milt  ^ftPto  Q^e  tfte  patft  of  Life 

^RESERVE  me,  O  God ;  for  in  thee  do  I  take  refuge. 
^PO  My  soul,  thou  hast  said  unto  Jehovah,  Thou  art 

my  Lord : 
I  have  no  good  beyond  thee. 
As  for  the  saints  that  are  in  the  earth, 
They  are  the  excellent  in  whom  is  all  my  delight. 
Their  sorrows  shall  be  multiplied  that  give  gifts  for  an- 
other god: 
Their  drink-offerings  of  blood  will  I  not  offer, 


156  Mornmg  Readings 

Nor  take  their  names  upon  my  lips. 

Jehovah  is  the  portion  of  mine  inheritance  and  of  my  cup ; 

Thou  maintainest  my  lot. 

The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleasant  places; 

Yea,  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 

I  will  bless  Jehovah,  who  hath  given  me  counsel; 

Yea,  my  heart  instructeth  me  in  the  night  seasons. 

I  have  set  Jehovah  always  before  me: 

Because  he  is  at  my  right  hand,  I  shall  not  be  moved.  . 

Therefore  my  heart  is  glad,  and  my  glory  rejoiceth: 

My  flesh  also  shall  dwell  in  safety. 

For  thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  in  the  grave; 

Neither  wilt  thou  suffer  thy  holy  one  to  see  corruption. 

Thou  wilt  show  me  the  path  of  life : 

In  thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy; 

In  thy  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

Psalm  16 

0  God  our  heavenly  Father,  renew  in  us  the  sense  of 
Thy  gracious  Presence,  and  let  it  be  a  constant  impulse 
within  us  to  peace,  trustfulness,  and  courage  on  our  pil- 
grimage. Let  us  hold  Thee  fast  with  a  loving  and  ador- 
ing heart,  and  let  our  affections  be  fixed  on  Thee,  that 
so  the  unbroken  communion  of  our  hearts  with  Thee  may 
accompany  us  whatsoever  we  do,  through  life  and  in 
death.  Teach  us  to  pray  heartily;  to  listen  for  Thy 
voice  within,  and  never  to  stifle  its  warnings.  Behold,  we 
bring  our  poor  hearts  as  a  sacrifice  unto  Thee :  come  and 
fill  Thy  sanctuary,  and  suffer  nought  impure  to  enter 
there.  O  Thou  Who  art  Love,  let  Thy  Divine  Spirit 
flow  like  a  river  through  our  whole  souls,  and  lead  us  in 


Poetic  Writings  157 


the  right  way  till  we  pass  by  a  peaceful  death  into  the 
Land  of  Promise. — Amen. 

Gerhard  Tersteegen  (1697-1769) 

71 

mj)o  S)f)all  aiJfDe  in  Ci)p  Cafiernacle? 

'TTORD,  who  shall  abide  in  thy  tabernacle? 

5^ Who  shall  dwell  in  thy  holy  hill? 

He  that  walketh  uprightly,  and  worketh  righteousness, 

And  speaketh  truth  in  his  heart; 

He  that  slandereth  not  with  his  tongue, 

Nor  doeth  evil  to  his   friend, 

Nor  taketh  up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbor; 

In  whose  eyes  a  reprobate  is  despised, 

But  who  honoreth  them  that  fear  Jehovah; 

He  that  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt,  and  changeth  not; 

He  that  putteth  not  out  his  money  to  interest, 

Nor  taketh  reward  against  the  innocent. 

He  that  doeth  these  things  shall  never  be  moved. 

Psalm  15 

Grant  us,  O  Lord,  to  know  what  we  ought  to  know, 
to  love  what  we  ought  to  love,  to  praise  what  is  most 
pleasing  to  thee,  to  esteem  what  is  precious  in  thy  sight, 
to  despise  what  is  vile  in  thine  eyes. 

Suffer  us  not  to  judge  according  to  the  sight  of  the 
outward  eyes,  nor  to  pronounce  according  to  the  hear- 
ing of  the  ears  of  inexperienced  men;  but  to  determine 
both  the  things  that  are  seen  and  spiritual  things  with 


158  Morning  Readings 


true  judgment,   and   above   all  things   ever  to   seek  thy 
good  will  and  pleasure. — Amen. 

Thomas  a  Kempis  (1379-1471) 

72 

Cj)e  JJ)eatoen0  Declare  tfte  ©lotp  of  (©oD 

^KHE  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God; 

^fl^And  the  firmament  showeth  his  handiwork. 

Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech, 

And  night  unto  night  showeth  knowledge. 

There  is  no  speech  nor  language; 

Their  voice  is  not  heard. 

Their  line  is  gone  out  through  all  the  earth, 

And  their  words  to  the  end  of  the  world. 

In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the  sun, 

Which  is  as  a  bridegroom  coming  out  of  his  chamber, 

And  rejoiceth  as  a  strong  man  to  run  his  course. 

His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  the  heavens, 

And  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  it ; 

And  there  is  nothing  hid  from  the  heat  thereof. 

The  law  of  Jehovah  is  perfect,  restoring  the  soul: 

The  testimony  of  Jehovah  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple. 

The  precepts  of  Jehovah  are  right,  rejoicing  the  heart: 

The  commandment  of  Jehovah  is  pure,  enlightening  the 
eyes. 

The  fear  of  Jehovah  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever: 

The  ordinances  of  Jehovah  are  true,  and  righteous  alto- 
gether. 


Poetic   Writings  159 


More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold,  yea,  than  much 
fine  gold; 

Sweeter  also  than  honey  and  the  droppings  of  the  honey- 
comb. 

Moreover  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned: 

In  keeping  them  there  is  great  reward. 

Who  can  discern  his  errors? 

Clear  thou  me  from  hidden  faults. 

Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous  sins; 

Let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me: 

Then  shall  I  be  upright, 

And  I  shall  be  clear  from  great  transgression. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth  and  the  meditation  of  my 
heart 

Be  acceptable  in  thy  sight, 

O  Jehovah,  my  rock,  and  my  redeemer. 

Psalm  19 

Our  God,  and  God  of  our  fathers !  May  Thy  pres- 
ence be  manifest  to  us  in  all  Thy  works,  and  may  rev- 
erence for  Thee  fill  the  hearts  of  all  Thy  creatures ;  may 
all  the  children  of  men  bow  before  Thee  in  humility  and 
unite  to  do  Thy  will  with  perfect  hearts,  and  all  acknowl- 
edge that  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  the  power,  and  the  maj- 
esty, and  that  Thy  name  is  exalted  above  all. — Amen. 

Liturgy  of  Jewish  Church. 


160  Morning  Readings 

73 

Sfeftotjal)  an0toet  Cftee 

fEHOVAH  answer  thee  in  the  day  of  trouble: 
The  name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  set  thee  up  on  high; 
Send  thee  help  from  the  sanctuary, 
And  strengthen  thee  out  of  Zion; 
Remember  all  thy  offerings, 
And  accept  thy  burnt-sacrifice; 
Grant  thee  thy  heart's  desire, 
And  fulfil  all  thy  counsel. 
We  will  triumph  in  thy  salvation, 

And  in  the  name  of  our  God  we  will  set  up  our  banners : 
Jehovah  fulfil  all  thy  petitions. 
Now  know  I  that  Jehovah  saveth  his  anointed; 
He  will  answer  him  from  his  holy  heaven 
With  the  saving  strength  of  his  right  hand. 
Some  trust  in  chariots,  and  some  in  horses ; 
But  we  will  make  mention  of  the  name  of  Jehovah  our 

God. 
They  are  bowed  down  and  fallen; 
But  we  are  risen,  and  stand  upright. 
Save,  Jehovah: 
Let  the  King  answer  us  when  we  call. 

Psalm  20 

May  it  be  Thy  will,  O  Lord  our  God  and  God  of  our 
fathers,  to  renew  unto  us  this  coming  month  for  good 
and  tor  blessing.    O  grant  us  long  life,  a  life  of  peace,  of 


Poetic  Writings  '  161 


good,  of  blessing,  of  sustenance,  of  bodily  vigor,  a  life 
marked  by  the  fear  of  Heaven  and  the  dread  of  sin,  a 
life  free  from  shame  and  reproach,  a  life  of  prosperity 
and  honor,  a  life  in  which  the  love  of  the  Law  and  the 
fear  of  Heaven  shall  cleave  to  us,  a  life  in  which  the  de- 
sires of  our  heart  shall  be  fulfilled  for  good. — Amen. 

Prayer  of  Rah.  of  Sura.     From  the  "Talmud"  (100- 
500  A.  D.) 

Cfte  ©ftepfterD  p^alm 

Qf EHOVAH  is  my  shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want. 

jf  He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures ; 

He  leadeth   me  beside   still  waters. 

He  restoreth  my  soul: 

He  guideth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  for  his  name's 

sake. 
Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 

of  death, 
I  will  fear  no  evil;  for  thou  art  with  me; 
Thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort  me. 
Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the  presence  of  mine 

enemies : 
Thou  hast  anointed  my  head  with  oil; 
My  cup  runneth  over. 
Surely  goodness   and  lovingkindness  shall  follow  me  all 

the  days  of  my  life ; 
And  I  shall  dwell  in  the  house  of  Jehovah  for  ever. 

Psalm  23 


162  Morning  Readings 

O  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  who  didst  promise  to  carry 
the  lambs  in  Thine  arms,  and  to  lead  us  by  the  still 
waters,  help  us  to  know  the  peace  which  passeth  under- 
standing. Give  us  to  drink  that  heavenly  draught  which 
is  life,  the  calm  patience  which  is  content  to  bear  what 
God  giveth.  Have  mercy  upon  us,  and  hear  our  prayers. 
Lead  us  gently  when  we  pass  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death.  Guide  us,  till  at  last,  in  the  assembly 
of  Thy  saints,  we  may  find  rest  forevermore. — Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


75 

Cfte  €atti)  30  3fel)otial)'g 

HE  earth  is  Jehovah's,  and  the  fulness  thereof; 


® 


^The  world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein. 
For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas, 
And  established  it  upon  the  floods. 
Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  Jehovah? 
And  who  shall  stand  in  his  holy  place.'' 
He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart; 
Who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  falsehood, 
And  hath  not  sworn  deceitfully. 
He  shall  receive  a  blessing  from  Jehovah, 
And  righteousness  from  the  God  of  his  salvation. 
This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  seek  after  him. 
That  seek  thy  face,  even  Jacob. 
Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates ; 
And  be  ye  lifted  up,  ye  everlasting  doors: 
And  the  King  of  glory  will  come  in. 


Poetic  Writings  163 


Who  is  the  King  of  glory? 

Jehovah  strong  and  mighty, 

Jehovah  mighty  in  battle. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates ; 

Yea,  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting  doors: 

And  the  King  of  glory  will  come  in. 

Who  is  this  King  of  glory? 

Jehovah  of  hosts, 

He  is  the  King  of  glory. 


Psalm  M 


Our  God  and  God  of  our  fathers,  reign  thou  in  thy 
glory  over  the  whole  universe,  and  be  exalted  above  all 
the  earth  in  thine  honor,  and  shine  forth  in  the  splendor 
and  excellence  of  thy  might  upon  all  the  inhabitants  of 
thy  world,  that  whatsoever  hath  been  made  may  know 
that  thou  hast  made  it,  and  whatsoever  hath  been  created 
may  understand  that  thou  hast  created  it,  and  whatso- 
ever hath  breath  in  its  nostrils  may  say.  The  Lord  God 
of  Israel  is  King,  and  his  dominion  ruleth  over  all.  Sanc- 
tify us  by  thy  commandments,  and  grant  our  portion  in 
thy  Law;  satisfy  us  with  thy  goodness,  and  gladden  us 
with  thy  salvation.  O  purify  our  hearts  to  serve  thee 
in  truth,  for  thou  art  God  in  truth  and  thy  word  is  truth, 
and  endureth  for  ever. — Amen. 

Jewish  Prayer  Book 


164f  Morning  Readings 

76 

Cfte  LotD  30  9^p  JLigftt  anD  9ip  ^altiatian 

^f^HE  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation; 

^Whom  shall  I  fear? 

The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life; 

Of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid? 

When  evil-doers  came  upon  me  to  eat  up  my  flesh, 

Even  mine  adversaries  and  my  foes,  they  stumbled  and 

fell. 
Though  a  host  should  encamp  against  me, 
My  heart  shall  not  fear: 
Though  war  should  rise  against  me. 
Even  then  will  I  be  confident. 
One  thing  have  I   asked   of  the  Lord,   that  will  I   seek 

after: 
That  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days 

of  my  life, 
To  behold  the  beauty  of  Jehovah, 
And  to  inquire  in  his  temple. 
For  in  the  day  of  trouble  he  will  keep  me  secretly  in  his 

pavilion : 
In  the  covert  of  his  tabernacle  will  he  hide  me; 
He  will  lift  me  up  upon  a  rock. 
And  now  shall  my  head  be  lifted  up  above  mine  enemies 

round  about  me; 
And  I  will  offer  in  his  tabernacle  sacrifices  of  joy; 
I  will  sing,  yea,  I  will  sing  praises  unto  Jehovah. 
Hear,  O  Jehovah,  when  I  cry  with  my  voice: 
Have  mercy  also  upon  me,  and  answer  me. 


Poetic   Writings  165 


When  thou  saidsty  Seek  ye  my  face;  my  heart  said  unto 
thee, 

Thy  face,  Lord,  will  I  seek. 

Hide  not  thy  face  from  me; 

Put  not  thy  servant  away  in  anger: 

Thou  hast  been  my  help ; 

Cast  me  not  off,  neither  forsake  me,  O  God  of  my  sal- 
vation. 

When  my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  me. 

Then  Jehovah  will  take  me  up. 

Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Jehovah ; 

And  lead  me  in  a  plain  path. 

Because  of  mine  enemies. 

Deliver  me  not  over  unto  the  will  of  mine  adversaries: 

For  false  witnesses  are  risen  up  against  me. 

And  such  as  breathe  out  cruelty. 

/  had  faintedy  unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the  goodness  of 
Jehovah 

In  the  land  of  the  living. 

Wait  for  the  Lord: 

Be  strong,  and  let  thy  heart  take  courage; 

Yea,  wait  thou  for  the  Lord. 

Psalm  27 

Almighty  and  Holy  Spirit,  the  Comforter,  pure,  liv- 
ing, true, — illuminate,  govern,  sanctify  us,  and  confirm 
our  heart  and  mind  in  the  faith,  and  in  all  genuine  con- 
solation; preserve  and  rule  over  us  that,  dwelling  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  our  life,  to  behold  the 
beauty  of  the  Lord,  we  may  be   and  remain  forever  in 


166  Morning  Readings 


the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and  praise  Him  with  a  joyful 
spirit,  and  in  union  with  all  the  heavenly  church. — Amen. 
Philip  Melancthon  (1497-1560) 

(From  his  last  prayer.) 

77 

3fei)ot)af)  j^xt^ttutb  tfte  jFaitftfuI 

3N  thee,  O  Jehovah,  do  I  take  refuge; 
Let  me  never  be  put  to  shame: 
Deliver  me  in  thy  righteousness. 
Bow  down  thine  ear  unto  me;  deliver  me  speedily: 
Be  thou  to  me  a  strong  rock,  ^ 

A  house  of  defence  to  save  me. 
For  thou  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress; 
Therefore  for  thy  name's  sake  lead  me  and  guide  me. 
Into  thy  hand  I  commend  my  spirit: 

Thou  hast  redeemed  me,  O  Jehovah,  thou  God  of  truth. 
I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  lovingkindness ; 
For  thou  hast  seen  my  affliction: 
Thou  hast  known  my  soul  in  adversities ; 
And   thou   hast  not   shut  me   up   into   the  hand   of   the 

enemy ; 
Thou  hast  set  my  feet  in  a  large  place. 
Oh  how  great  is  thy  goodness, 
Which  thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear  thee. 
Which  thou  hast  wrought  for  them  that  take  refuge  in 

thee. 
Before  the  sons  of  men! 


Poetic  Writings  167 


In  the  covert  of  thy  presence  wilt  thou  hide  them  from 

the>  plottings  of  man : 
Thou  wilt  keep  them  secretly  in  a  pavilion  from  the  strife 

of  tongues. 
Blessed  be  Jehovah; 
For  he  hath  showed  me  his  marvellous  lovingkindness  in 

a  strong  city. 
Oh  love  Jehovah,  all  ye  his  saints : 
Jehovah  preserveth  the  faithful, 

And  plentifully  rewardeth  him  that  dealeth  proudly. 
Be  strong,  and  let  your  heart  take  courage. 
All  ye  that  hope  in  Jehovah. 

Psalm  31 :  1-3,  5,  7,  8,  19-21,  23,  24 

O  Heavenly  Father,  Who  watchest  always  over  Thy 
faithful  people,  and  mightily  defendest  them,  so  that  they 
be  harmless  preserved,  we  most  heartily  thank  Thee,  that 
it  hath  pleased  Thy  fatherly  goodness  to  take  care  of  us 
this  night  past.  We  most  entirely  beseech  Thee,  O  most 
merciful  Father,  to  show  the  like  kindness  toward  us 
this  day,  in  preserving  our  body  and  soul;  that  we  may 
neither  think,  breathe,  speak,  or  do  anything  that  may 
be  displeasing  to  Thy  fatherly  goodness,  dangerous  to 
ourselves,  or  hurtful  to  our  neighbors  ;  but  that  all  our  do- 
ings may  be  agreeable  to  Thy  most  blessed  will,  which 
is  alway  good ;  that  they  may  advance  Thy  glory,  answer 
to  our  vocations,  and  profit  our  neighbors,  whom  we  ought 
to  love  as  ourselves;  that,  whensoever  Thou  callest  us 
hence,  we  may  be  found  the  children  not  of  darkness  but  of 
light. — Amen. 

Thomas  Becon  (1511-1570) 


168  Morning  Readings 

78 

Kejoice  in  3fet)otJal),  2D  ge  IRisl)teou0 

2|%EJ0ICE  in  Jehovah,  O  ye  righteous: 

'^^Praise  is  comely  for  the  upright. 

For  the  word  of  Jehovah  is  right; 

And  all  his  work  is  done  in  faithfulness. 

He  loveth  righteousness  and  justice: 

The  earth  is  full  of  the  lovingkindness  of  Jehovah. 

Let  all  the  earth  fear  Jehovah : 

Let  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  stand  in  awe  of  him. 

The  counsel  of  Jehovah  standeth  fast  for  ever, 

The  thoughts  of  his  heart  to  all  generations. 

Blessed  is  the  nation  whose  God  is  Jehovah, 

The  people  whom  he  hath  chosen  for  his  own  inheritance. 

Jehovah  looketh  from  heaven ; 

He  beholdeth  all  the  sons  of  men ; 

From  the  place  of  his  habitation  he  looketh  forth 

Upon  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth. 

He  that  fashioneth  the  hearts  of  them  all, 

That  considereth  all  their  works. 

Behold,  the  eye  of  Jehovah  is  upon  them  that  fear  hiiri, 

Upon  them  that  hope  in  his  lovingkindness ; 

To  deliver  their  soul  from  death. 

And  to  keep  them  alive  in  famine. 

Our  soul  hath  waited  for  Jehovah: 

He  is  our  help  and  our  shield. 

For  our  heart  shall  rejoice  in  him. 

Because  we  have  trusted  in  his  holy  name. 


Poetic   Writings  169 


Let  thy  lovingkindness,  O  Jehovah,  be  upon  us, 
According  as  we  have  hoped  in  thee. 

Psalm  33:1,  4,  5,  8,  11-15,  18-22 

O  Lord,  grant  that  our  hearts  may  be  truly  cleansed 
and  filled  with  Thy  holy  spirit,  and  that  we  may  arise  to 
serve  Thee,  and  lie  down  to  sleep  in  entire  confidence  in 
Thee,  and  submission  to  Thy  will,  ready  for  life  or  for 
death.  Let  us  live  for  the  day,  not  overcharged  with 
worldly  cares,  but  feeling  that  our  treasure  is  not  here, 
and  desiring  truly  to  be  joined  to  Thee  in  Thy  heavenly 
kingdom,  and  to  those  who  are  already  gone  to  Thee. 
O  Lord  save  us  from  sin,  and  guide  us  with  Thy  spirit, 
and  keep  us  faithful  in  obedience  to  Thee. — Amen. 

Thomas  Arnold 

79 

I  mm  151000  3fej)oDaj)  at  ail  Cime0 

3  WILL  bless  Jehovah  at  all  times: 
His  praise  shall  continually  be  in  my  mouth. 
My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  Jehovah: 
The  meek  shall  hear  thereof,  and  be  glad. 
Oh  magnify  Jehovah  with  me. 
And  let  us  exalt  his  name  together. 
Oh  fear  Jehovah,  ye  his  saints ; 
For  there  is  no  want  to  them  that  fear  him. 
The  young  lions  do  lack,  and  suffer  hunger; 
But  they   that   seek   Jehovah   shall  not  want   any  good 

thing. 
Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me: 


170  Morning  Readings 

I  will  teach  you  the  fear  of  Jehovah. 
Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil, 
And  thy  lips  from  speaking  guile. 
Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good; 
Seek  peace,  and  pursue  it. 

The  eyes  of  Jehovah  are  toward  the  righteous. 
And  his  ears  are  open  unto  their  cry. 
The  face  of  Jehovah  is  against  them  that  do  evil. 
To  cut  off  the  remembrance  of  them  from  the  earth. 
Jehovah  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart, 
And  saveth  such  as  are  of  a  contrite  spirit. 
Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous ; 
But  Jehovah  delivereth  him  out  of  them  all. 
He  keepeth  all  his  bones: 
Not  one  of  them  is  broken. 
Evil  shall  slay  the  wicked ; 

And  they  that  hate  the  righteous  shall  be  condemned. 
Jehovah  redeemeth  the  soul  of  his  servants ; 
And  none  of  them  that  take  refuge  in  him  shall  be  held 
guilty,  p^^^^  34:1-3,  9-11,  13-16,  18-22 

Look  upon  us,  O  Lord,  and  let  all  the  darkness  of  our 
souls  vanish  before  the  beams  of  Thy  brightness.  Fill  us 
with  holy  love,  and  open  to  us  the  treasures  of  Thy  wis- 
dom. All  our  desire  is  known  unto  Thee,  therefore  per- 
fect what  Thou  hast  begun,  and  what  Thy  Spirit  has 
awakened  us  to  ask  in  prayer.  We  seek  Thy  face,  turn 
Thy  face  unto  us  and  show  us  Thy  glory.  Then  shall 
our  longing  be  satisfied,  and  our  peace  shall  be  perfect. 

"~^™^^'  St,  Augustine  (354-430) 


Poetic  Writings  171 


80 

jFret  iI3ot  Cftp^elf  IBttamt  of  (lBt)i^DDet0 

^jp'RET  not  thyself  because  of  evil-doers, 
/J^  Neither  be  thou  envious  against  them  that  work  un- 
righteousness. 
For  they  shall  soon  be  cut  down  like  the  grass, 
And  wither  as  the  green  herb. 
Trust  in  Jehovah,  and  do  good; 
Dwell  in  the  land,  and  feed  on  his  faithfulness. 
Delight  thyself  also  in  Jehovah; 
And  he  will  give  thee  the  desires  of  thy  heart. 
Commit  thy  way  unto  Jehovah; 
Trust  also  in  him,  and  he  will  bring  it  to  pass. 
And  he  will  make  thy  righteousness  to  go  forth  as  the 

light, 

And  thy  justice  as  the  noonday. 

Rest  in  Jehovah,  and  wait  patiently  for  him : 

Fret  not  thyself  because  of  him  who  prospereth  in  his 

way. 
Because  of  the  man  who  bringeth  wicked  devices  to  pass. 
Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath: 
For  evil-doers  shall  be  cut  off; 
But  those  that  wait  for  Jehovah,  they  shall  inherit  the 

land. 
For  yet  a  little  while,  and  the  wicked  shall  not  be: 
Yea,  thou  shalt  diligently  consider  his  place,  and  he  shall 

not  be. 
But  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  land. 
And  shall  delight  themselves  in  the  abundance  of  peace. 


172  Morning  Readings 

I  have  been   young,   and   now   am   old; 

Yet  have  I  not  seen  the  righteous  forsaken, 

Nor  his  seed  begging  bread. 

Wait  for  Jehovah,  and  keep  his  way, 

And  he  will  exalt  thee  to  inherit  the  land : 

When  the  wicked  are  cut  off,  thou  shalt  see  it. 

I  have  seen  the  wicked  in  great  power, 

And  spreading  himself  like  a  green  tree  in  its  native  soil. 

But  one  passed  by,  and,  lo,  he  was  not: 

Yea,  I  sought  him,  but  he  could  not  be  found. 

Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright ; 

For  there  is  a  happy  end  to  the  man  of  peace. 

And  Jehovah  helpeth  them,  and  rescueth  them: 

He  rescueth  them  from  the  wicked,  and  saveth  them, 

Because  they  have  taken  refuge  in  him. 

Psalm  37:1-11,  25,  34-37,  40 

Lord,  this  is  the  work  of  a  perfect  man,  never  to  let 
the  mind  slacken  from  attending  to  the  heavenly  things, 
and  to  pass  through  many  cares  as  though  without  care; 
not  after  the  manner  of  a  sluggard,  but  by  a  certain 
prerogative  of  a  free  mind,  which  does  not  cleave  with 
inordinate  affection  to  any  creature. 

Preserve  us,  we  beseech  thee,  O  most  compassionate 
God,  from  the  cares  of  this  life,  that  we  be  not  too  much 
entangled  by  them;  from  the  many  necessities  of  the 
body,  that  we  may  not  be  ensnared  by  pleasure;  and 
from  all  hindrances  of  the  soul,  lest,  being  disheartened 
by  troubles  we  be  cast  down. 

Give  us  fortitude,  that  we  may  stand;  patience  that 
we  may  endure;  constancy,  that  we  may  persevere.    Give 


Poetic  Writings  173 


us,  in  place  of  all  the  consolations  of  this  world,  the 
sweetest  unction  of  thy  spirit ;  and  instead  of  carnal 
love,  infuse  into  us  the  love  of  thy  name. — ^Amen. 

Thomas  a  Kempis 

81 

1  caJaiteD  tot  m  LotD 

3   WAITED  patiently  for  the  Lord;  and  he  inclined 
unto  me,  and  heard  my  cry. 
He  brought  me  up  also  out  of  an  horrible  pit,  out  of 

the  miry  clay,  and  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock,  and  estab- 
lished my  goings. 

And  he  hath  put  a  new  song  in  my  mouth,  even  praise 

unto  our  God :  many  shall  see  ity  and  fear,  and  shall  trust 

in  the  Lord. 

Many,  O  Jehovah  my  God,  are  the  wonderful  works  which 
thou  hast  done. 

And  thy  thoughts  which  are  to  us-ward: 

They  cannot  be  set  in  order  unto  thee; 

If  I  would  declare  and  speak  of  them, 

They  are  more  than  can  be  numbered. 

Withhold  not  thou  thy  tender  mercies  from  me,  O  Je- 
hovah ; 

Let  thy  lovingkindness  and  thy  truth  continually  pre- 
serve me. 

For  innumerable  evils  have  compassed  me  about; 

Mine  iniquities  have  overtaken  me,  so  that  I  am  not  able 
to  look  up; 

They  are  more  than  the  hairs  of  my  head ; 

And  my  heart  hath  failed  me. 


174*  Morning  Readings 

Be  pleased,  O  Jehovah,  to  deliver  me: 

Make  haste  to  help  me,  O  Jehovah. 

Let  all  those  that  seek  thee  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  thee: 

Let  such  as  love  thy  salvation  say  continually, 

Jehovah  be  magnified. 

Psalm  40:1-3,  5,   11-13,  16 

Almighty  God,  who  seest  that  we  have  no  power  of 
ourselves  to  help  ourselves ;  keep  us  both  outwardly  in 
our  bodies,  and  inwardly  in  our  souls ;  that  we  may  be 
defended  from  all  adversities  which  may  happen  to  the 
body,  and  from  all  evil  thoughts  which  may  assault  and 
hurt  the  soul. — Amen. 

Book  of  Common  Prayer 

^enD  jaDut  Cf)g  Higftt 

fUDGE  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause  against  an 
ungodly  nation: 
Oh  deliver  me  from  the  deceitful  and  unjust  man. 
For  thou  art  the  God  of  my  strength ;  why  hast  thou  cast 

me  off? 
Why  go   I  mourning  because  of  the  oppression  of  the 

enemy? 
Oh  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth;  let  them  lead  me: 
Let  them  bring  me  unto  thy  holy  hill, 
And  to  thy  tabernacles. 
Then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of  God, 
Unto  God  my  exceeding  joy; 
And  upon  the  harp  will  I  praise  thee,  O  God,  my  God. 


Poetic  Writings  175 


Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul? 
And  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me? 
Hope  thou  in  God;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him, 
Who  is  the  help  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God. 

Psalm  43 

Eternal  Light,  before  whom  all  darkness  is  light,  and, 
in  comparison  with  whom,  every  other  light  is  but  dark- 
ness!  May  it  please  Thee  to  send  forth  Thy  light  and 
Thy  truth,  that  they  may  lead  us.  Purify,  we  pray 
Thee,  our  souls  from  all  impure  imaginations,  that  Thy 
most  beautiful  and  holy  image  may  be  again  renewed 
within  us,  and,  by  contemplating  Thy  glorious  perfec- 
tions, we  may  feel  daily  improved  within  us  that  Divine 
similitude,  the  perfection  whereof  we  hope  will  at  last 
make  us  forever  happy  in  that  full  and  beatific  vision  we 
aspire  after.  Till  this  most  blessed  day  break,  and  the 
shadows  fly  away,  let  Thy  Spirit  be  continually  with  us, 
and  may  we  feel  the  powerful  effects  of  Thy  Divine  grace 
constantly  directing  and  supporting  our  steps;  that  all 
our  endeavors,  throughout  the  whole  remaining  part  of 
our  lives,  may  serve  to  promote  the  honor  of  Thy  blessed 
Name. — Amen. 

Robert  Leighton  (1611-1684) 


008  30  a)ut  Jaefuge 

/jj^OD  is  our  refuge  and  strength, 

V^A  very  present  help  in  trouble. 

Therefore  will  we  not  fear,  though  the  earth  do  change, 


176  Morning  Readings 


And  though  the  mountains  be  shaken  into  the  heart  of 

the  seas; 
Though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be  troubled, 
Though  the  mountains  tremble  with  the  swelling  thereof. 
Jehovah  of  hosts  is  with  us ; 
The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge. 
Come,  behold  the  works  of  Jehovah, 
What  desolations  he  hath  made  in  the  earth. 
He  maketh  wars  to  cease  unto  the  end  of  the  earth ; 
He  breaketh  the  bow,  and  cutteth  the  spear  in  sunder; 
He  bumeth  the  chariots  in  the  fire. 
Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God: 
I  will  be  exalted  among  the  nations,  I  will  be  exalted  in 

the  earth. 
Jehovah  of  hosts  is  with  us ; 
The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge. 

Psalm  46:1-B,  7-11 

Most  Great  and  Glorious  God,  who  hast  appointed  the 
rivers  to  hasten  with  a  rapid  motion  to  the  sea,  be  gra- 
ciously pleased,  we  most  humbly  beseech  Thee,  to  make 
the  stream  of  our  will  perpetually  to  flow  a  cheerful  and 
impetuous  course,  bearing  down  pleasure,  interest,  af- 
flictions, death,  and  all  other  obstacles  and  impediments 
whatsoever,  before  it,  till  it  plunge  itself  joyfully  into 
the  unfathomable  ocean  of  Thy  divine  will. — Amen. 

Charles  How  (1661-1784) 


Poetic  Writings  177 


84 

a  Praper  for  parDon 

jAVE  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy  lov- 
ingkindness : 
According  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  blot  out 

my  transgressions. 
Wash  me  thoroughly  from  mine  iniquity, 
And  cleanse  me  from  my  sin. 
Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  0  God; 
And  renew  a  right  spirit  witliin  me. 
Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence ; 
And  take  not  thy  holy  Spirit  from  me. 
Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation; 
And  uphold  me  with  a  willing  spirit. 
Then  will  I  teach  transgressors  thy  ways; 
And  sinners  shall  be  converted  unto  thee. 
O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips; 
And  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise. 
For  thou  delightest  not  in  sacrifice ;  else  would  I  give  it : 
Thou  hast  no  pleasure  in  burnt-offering. 
The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit: 
A  broken   and   a   contrite  heart,   O   God,   thou  wilt  not 

despise. 

Psalm  51 :1,  2,  10-13,  15-17 

We  humbly  beseech  Thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  to  do 
away  as  the  night  all  our  transgressions,  and  to  scatter 
our  sins  as  the  morning  cloud.  Lord,  forgive  whatso- 
ever is  amiss  in  us,  cleanse  us  from  our  sin,  and  let  Thy 


178  Morning  Readings 

Holy  Spirit  so  prevent  and  accompany  and  follow  us 
day  by  day,  that  we  may  believe  in  Thee,  and  love  Thee, 
and  keep  Thy  commandments. — Amen. 

Goulhwm's  Family  Prayers 

85 

flip  S)OUl,  matt  Cftpu  in  Silence 

/MY  soul,  wait  thou  in  silence  for  God  only; 
jS'^^'ror  my  expectation  is  from  him. 
He  only  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation: 
He  is  my  high  tower;  I  shall  not  be  moved. 
With  God  is  my  salvation  and  my  glory: 
The  rock  of  my  strength,  and  my  refuge,  is  in  God. 
Trust  in  him  at  all  times,  ye  people; 
Pour  out  your  heart  before  him: 
God  is  a  refuge  for  us. 
Trust  not  in  oppression, 
And  become  not  vain  in  robbery : 
If  riches  increase,  set  not  your  heart  thereon, 
God  hath  spoken  once. 
Twice  have  I  heard  this, 
That  power  belongeth  unto  God. 
Also  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  belongeth  lovingkindness ; 
For  thou  renderest  to  every  man  according  to  his  work. 

Psalm  62 :5-8,  10-12 

O  Lord,  let  us  not  henceforth  desire  health  or  life, 
except  to  spend  them  for  Thee,  with  Thee,  and  in  Thee. 
Thou  alone  knowest  what  is  good  for  us;  do,  therefore 


Poetic  Writi/ngs  179 


what  seemeth  Thee  best.  Give  to  us,  or  take  from  us; 
conform  our  wills  to  thine;  and  grant  that  with  humble 
and  perfect  submission  and  in  holy  confidence,  we  may 
receive  the  orders  of  Thine  eternal  Providence;  and  may 
equally  adore  all  that  comes  from  Thee. — Amen. 

Pascal  (1623-1662) 

86 

an  tfte  §)f)aDoto  of  CJ)g  mins» 

^^%  GOD,  thou  art  my  God;  earnestly  will  I  seek  thee: 
^^  My  soul  thirsteth  for  thee,  my  flesh  longeth  for 

thee, 
In  a  dry  and  weary  land,  where  no  water  is. 
Because  thy  lovingkindness  is  better  than  life, 
My  lips   shall  praise  thee. 
So  will  I  bless  thee  while  I  live: 
I  will  lift  up  my  hands  in  thy  name. 
My  soul  shall  be  satisfied  as  with  marrow  and  fatness; 
And  my  mouth  shall  praise  thee  with  joyful  lips; 
When  I  remember  thee  upon  my  bed. 
And  meditate  on  thee  in  the  night-watches. 
For  thou  hast  been  my  help. 
And  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings  will  I  rejoice. 

Psalm  63 :1,  3-7 

O  Lord  our  God,  under  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings  let 
us  hope.  Thou  wilt  support  us,  both  when  little,  and 
even  to  gray  hairs.  When  our  strength  is  of  Thee,  it  is 
strength ;  but,  when  our  own,  it  is  feebleness.  We  re- 
turn unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  that  from  their  weariness  our 


180  Morning  Readings 

souls  may  rise  towards  Thee,  leaning  on  the  things  which 
Thou  hast  created,  and  passing  on  to  Thyself,  who  hast 
wonderfully  made  them ;  for  with  Thee  is  refreshment  and 
true  strength. — ^Amen. 

St.  Augustine  (354-430) 


87 

Ptaj0e  MJaitet!)  for  Cftee,  ©  ©oD,  in  ^ion 

^RAISE  waiteth  for  thee,  O  God,  in  Zion; 

-II^And  unto  thee  shall  the  vow  be  performed. 

O  thou  that  hearest  prayer, 

Unto  thee  shall  all  flesh  come. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  choosest,  and  causest  to 

approach  unto  thee. 
That  he  may  dwell  in  thy  courts: 
We  shall  be  satisfied  with  the  goodness  of  thy  house. 
Thy  holy  temple. 

By  terrible  things  thou  wilt  answer  us  in  righteousness, 
O  God  of  our  salvation. 

Thou  that  art  the  confidence  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
And  of  them  that  are  afar  off  upon  the  sea: 
Who  by  his  strength  setteth  fast  the  mountains, 
Being  girded  about  with  might; 
Who  stilleth  the  roaring  of  the  seas, 
The  roaring  of  their  waves. 
And  the  tumult  of  the  peoples. 
They  also  that  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  are  afraid 

at  thy  tokens: 


Poetic   Writings  181 


Thou  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  evening 

to  rejoice. 
Thou  visitest  the  earth,  and  waterest  it, 
Thou  greatly  enrichest  it ; 
The  river  of  God  is  full  of  water: 
Thou  providest  them  grain,  when  thou  hast  so  prepared 

the  earth. 
Thou  waterest  its  furrows  abundantly; 
Thou  settlest  the  ridges  thereof: 
Thou  makest  it  soft  with  showers; 
Thou  blessest  the  springing  thereof. 
Thou  crownest  the  year  with  thy  goodness; 
And  thy  paths  drop  fatness. 
They  drop  upon  the  pastures  of  the  wilderness; 
And  the  hills  are  girded  with  joy. 

Psalm  65:1,  g,  4-12 

Bless,  O  Lord,  and  crown  the  year  with  the  riches  of 
Thy  goodness,  for  the  sake  of  the  poor,  the  widow,  the 
fatherless,  and  the  stranger ;  for  the  sake  of  all  of  us,  who 
put  our  trust  in  Thee,  and  call  upon  Thy  holy  name: 
for  the  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  Thou 
givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season. — Amen 

Alexcmdrian  Littirgy 

88 

(Soa  TSe  9@etciful 

/CXSy^  l)e  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us, 
^^ And  cause  his  face  to  shine  upon  us ; 
That  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth, 


182  Morning  Readings 

Thy  salvation  among  all  nations. 

Let  the  peoples  praise  thee,  O  God ; 

Let  all  the  peoples  praise  thee. 

Oh  let  the  nations  be  glad  and  sing  for  joy; 

For  thou  wilt  judge  the  peoples  with  equity, 

And  govern  the  nations  upon  earth. 

Let  all  the  peoples  praise  thee. 

Let  all  the  peoples  praise  thee. 

The  earth  hath  yielded  its  increase: 

God,  even  our  own  God,  will  bless  us. 

God  will  bless  us ; 

And  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  fear  him. 

Psalm  67 

We  therefore  hope  in  Thee,  0  Lord  our  God,  that  we 
may  speedily  behold  the  glory  of  Thy  might  when  Thou 
wilt  remove  the  abominations  from  the  earth,  and  the 
idols  will  be  utterly  cut  off,  when  the  world  will  be  per- 
fected under  the  kingdom  of  the  Almighty,  and  all  the 
children  of  flesh  will  call  upon  Thy  name,  when  Thou 
wilt  turn  unto  Thyself  all  the  wicked  of  the  earth.  Let 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  perceive  and  know  that 
unto  Thee  every  knee  must  bend,  every  tongue  must 
swear.  Before  Thee,  O  Lord  our  God,  let  them  bow  and 
fall;  and  unto  Thy  glorious  name  let  them  give  honor; 
let  them  all  accept  the  yoke  of  Thy  kingdom,  and  do 
Thou  reign  over  them  speedily,  and  for  ever  and  ever. — 
Amen. 

Jewish  Prayer  Book 


Poetic  Writings  183 


89 

3n  Cftee  Do  I  Cake  Kefuge 

3N  thee,  O  Jehovah,  do  I  take  refuge: 
Let  me  never  be  put  to  shame. 
Deliver  me  in  thy  righteousness,  and  rescue  me: 
Bow  down  thine  ear  unto  me,  and  save  me. 
Be  thou  to  me  a  rock  of  habitation,  whereunto  I  may 

continually  resort: 
Thou  hast  given  commandment  to  save  me; 
For  thou  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress. 
Rescue  me,  O  my  God,  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked, 
Out  of  the  hand  of  the  unrighteous  and  cruel  man. 
Cast  me  not  off  in  the  time  of  old  age; 
Forsake  me  not  when  my  strength  faileth. 

0  God,  thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth; 
And  hitherto  have  I  declared  thy  wondrous  works. 
Yea,  even  when  I  am  old  and  grayheaded,  O  God,  for- 
sake me  not. 

Until  I  have  declared  thy  strength  unto  tJie  newt  genera- 
tion, 
Thy  might  to  every  one  that  is  to  come. 
Thou,  who  hast  showed  us  many  and  sore  troubles, 
Wilt  quicken  us  again. 

And  wilt  bring  us  up  again  from  the  depths  of  the  earth. 
Increase  thou  my  greatness, 
And  turn  again  and  comfort  me. 

1  will  also  praise  thee  with  the  psaltery, 
Even  thy  truth,  O  my  God : 


184  Morning  Readings 

Unto  thee  will  I  sing  praises  with  the  harp, 
O  thou  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

Psalm  71  :l-4,  9,  17,  18,  20-22 

Grant  unto  us.  Almighty  God,  that  when  our  vision 
fails,  and  our  understanding  is  darkened;  when  the  ways 
of  life  seem  hard,  and  the  brightness  of  life  is  gone, — to 
us  grant  the  wisdom  that  deepens  faith  when  the  sight 
is  dim,  and  enlarges  trust  when  the  understanding  is  not 
clear.  And  whensoever  Thy  ways  in  nature  or  in  the 
soul  are  hard  to  be  understood,  then  may  our  quiet  con- 
fidence, our  patient  trust,  our  loving  faith  in  Thee  be 
great,  and  as  children  knowing  that  they  are  loved,  cared 
for,  guarded,  kept,  may  we  with  a  quiet  mind  at  all  times 
put  our  trust  in  the  unseen  God.  So  may  we  face  life 
without  fear,  and  death  without  fainting;  and,  whatso- 
ever may  be  in  the  life  to  come,  give  us  confident  hope 
that  whatsoever  is  best  for  us  both  here  and  hereafter  is 
Thy  good  pleasure,  and  will  be  Thy  law. — ^Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 

90 

©itoe  tfte  Mm  Cftp  JuDgmenw 

>AIVE  the  king  thy  judgments,  O  God, 
^^And  thy  righteousness  unto  the  king's  son. 
He  will  judge  thy  people  with  righteousness, 
And  thy  poor  with  justice. 
He  will  come  down  like  rain  upon  the  mown  grass, 


Poetic   Writings  185 


As  showers  that  water  the  earth. 

In  his  days  shall  the  righteous  flourish, 

And  abundance  of  peace,  till  the  moon  be  no  more. 

He  shall  have  dominion  also  from  sea  to  sea, 

And  from  the  River  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

Yea,  all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him; 

All  nations  shall  serve  him. 

For  he  will  deliver  the  needy  when  he  crieth, 

And  the  poor,  that  hath  no  helper. 

He  will  have  pity  on  the  poor  and  needy, 

And  the  souls  of  the  needy  he  will  save. 

He  will  redeem  their  soul  from  oppression  and  violence; 

And  precious  will  their  blood  be  in  his  sight: 

And  they  shall  live ;  and  to  him  shall  be  given  of  the  gold 

of  Sheba: 
And  men  shall  pray  for  him  continually; 
They  shall  bless  him  all  the  day  long. 
His  name  shall  endure  for  ever; 
His  name  shall  be  continued  as  long  as  the  sun: 
And  men  shall  be  blessed  in  him; 
All  nations  shall  call  him  happy. 
Blessed  be  Jehovah  God,  the  God  of  Israel, 
Who  only  doeth  wondrous  things: 
And  blessed  be  his  glorious  name  for  ever; 
And  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his  glory. 
Amen,  and  Amen. 

Psalm  72:1,  2,  6-8,  11-15,  17-19 

Almighty  Lord,  of  whose  righteous  will  all  things  are, 
and  were  created;  who  liftest  the  islands  out  of  the  deep, 


186  Morning  Readings 

and  preparest  not  in  vain  the  habitable  world ;  Thou  hast 
gathered  our  people  into  a  great  nation,  and  sent  them 
to  sow  beside  all  waters,  and  multiply  sure  dwellings  on 
the  earth.  Deepen  the  root  of  our  life  in  everlasting 
righteousness ;  and  let  not  the  crown  of  our  pride  be  as 
a  fading  flower.  Make  us  equal  to  our  high  trusts ; 
reverent  in  the  use  of  freedom,  just  in  the  exercise  of 
power,  generous  in  the  protection  of  weakness.  .  .  .  To 
our  Legislators  and  Counsellors  give  insight  and  faith- 
fulness, that  our  laws  may  clearly  speak  the  right,  and 
our  Judges  purely  interpret  it.  Let  it  be  known  among 
us  how  thou  hatest  robbery  for  burnt-offering;  that  the 
gains  of  industry  may  be  all  upright,  and  the  use  of 
wealth  considerate.  May  wisdom  and  knowledge  be  the 
stability  of  our  times :  and  our  deepest  trust  be  in  Thee, 
the  Lord  of  nations  and  the  King  of  kings. — Amen. 

James  Martvneau  (1805-1900) 


91 

00iItDn'0  Ctan0lation  of  tfte  OBigfttp^fourtl) 
P0alm 

3^0W  lovely  are  thy  dwellings  fair! 
/^     O  Lord  of  Hosts,  how  dear 
The   pleasant   tabernacles    are. 

Where  thou  dost  dwell  so  near! 
My  soul  doth  long  and  almost  die 

Thy  courts,  O  Lord  to  see; 
My  heart  and  flesh  aloud  do  cry, 

O  living  God,  for  thee. 


Poetic   Writings  187 


There  ev'n  the  sparrow  freed  from  wrong 

Hath  found   a   house  of   rest, 
The  swallow  there,  to  lay  her  young 

Hath  built  her  brooding  nest, 
Ev'n  by  thy  altars,  Lord  of  Hosts, 

They  find  their  safe  abode, 
And  home  they  fly  from  round  the  coasts 

Toward  thee,  my  King,  my  God. 
Happy,  who  in  thy  house  reside, 

Where  thee  they  ever  praise, 
Happy,  whose  strength  in  thee  doth  bide, 

And  in  their  hearts  thy  ways. 
They  pass   through  Baca's   thirsty  vale. 

That  dry  and  barren  ground. 
As  through  a  fruitful  wat'ry  dale 

Where  springs  and  show'rs  abound. 
They  journey  on  from  strength  to  strength 

With  joy  and  gladsome  cheer. 
Till  all  before  our  God  at  length 

In  Sion  do  appear. 
Lord  God  of  Hosts,  hear  now  my  prayer 

0  Jacob's  God,  give  ear. 
Thou  God  our  shield,  look  on  the  face 

Of  thy  anointed  dear. 
For  one  day  in  thy  courts  to  be 

Is  better,  and  more  blest. 
Than  in  the  joys  of  vanity 
A  thousand  days  at  best. 
I  in  the  temple  of  my  God 
Had  rather  keep  a  door, 


188  Morning  Readings 


Than  dwell  in  tents  and  rich  abode 

With   sin   for  evermore. 
For  God  the  Lord,  both  sun  and  shield. 

Gives  grace  and  glory  bright, 
No  good  from  them  shall  be  withheld 

Whose  ways  are  just  and  right. 
Lord   God   of   Hosts,   that   reign'st   on  high, 

That  man  is  truly  blest, 
Who  only  on  thee  doth  rely, 

And  in  thee  only  rest, 

0  God,  in  Thee  alone  can  our  wearied  spirits  find  full 
satisfaction  and  rest,  and  in  Thy  love  is  the  highest  joy. 
Lord,  if  we  have  Thee  we  have  enough ;  and  we  are  happy 
if  Thou  wilt  but  give  peace  to  our  consciences,  and  make 
us  know  how  gracious  and  merciful  Thou  art.  Preserve 
in  our  hearts  that  peace  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing; and  make  us  better  and  holier  in  time  to  come. 
Strengthen  those  of  us  who  are  in  any  sorrow  or  per- 
plexity by  the  inward  comfort  of  Thy  holy  spirit,  and 
bid  us  know  that  our  light  affliction  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory.  For  there  will  come  a  time  when  Thou 
wilt  bring  us  to  the  place  of  perfect  rest,  where  we  shall 
behold  Thy  face  in  righteousness,  and  be  satisfied  from 
Thy  eternal  fullness. — ^Amen. 

MelcUor  Ritter  (1689) 


Poetic  Writings  189 


92 


Cftou  l^a0t  TSttn  jfatioralJle  Onto  CD?  ILanD 

g/EHOVAH,  thou  hast  been  favorable  unto  thy  land; 

J/  Thou  hast  brought  back  the  captivity  of  Jacob. 

Thou  hast  forgiven  the  iniquity  of  thy  people; 

Thou  hast  covered  all  their  sin. 

Show  us  thy  lovingkindness,  O  Jehovah, 

And  grant  us  thy  salvation. 

Surely  his  salvation  is  nigh  them  that  fear  him, 

That  glory  may  dwell  in  our  land. 

Mercy  and  truth  are  met  together; 

Righteousness  and  peace  have  kissed  each  other. 

Truth  springeth  out  of  the  earth; 

And  righteousness  hath  looked  down  from  heaven. 

Yea,  Jehovah  will  give  that  which  is  good; 

And  our  land  shall  yield  its  increase. 

Righteousness  shall  go  before  him, 

And  shall  make  his  footsteps  a  way  to  walk  in. 

Psalm  85:1,  2,  7,  9-13 

Almighty  God,  who  in  former  time  leddest  our  fathers 
forth  into  a  wealthy  place,  and  didst  set  their  feet  in  a 
large  room,  give  Thy  grace,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  to 
us  their  children,  that  we  may  always  approve  ourselves 
a  people  mindful  of  Thy  favors  and  glad  to  do  Thy  will. 
Bless  our  land  with  honorable  industry,  sound  learning, 
and  pure  manners.  Defend  our  liberties;  preserve  our 
unity.  Save  us  from  violence,  discord,  and  confusion, 
from  pride   and   arrogance,   and  from  every   evil   way. 


190  Mommg  Readmgs 

Fashion  into  one  happy  people  the  multitude  brought 
hither  out  of  many  kindreds  and  tongues.  Endue  with 
the  spirit  of  wisdom  those  whom  we  intrust  in  Thy  name 
with  the  authority  of  governance,  to  the  end  that  there 
may  be  peace  at  home,  and  that  we  keep  our  place  among 
the  nations  of  the  earth.  In  the  time  of  our  prosperity, 
temper  our  self-confidence  with  thankfulness,  and  in  the 
day  of  trouble,  suffer  not  our  trust  in  Thee  to  fail. — 
Amen. 

Book  of  CoTnmon  Prayer 


p 


Ceacf)  Q^e  Cftp  ^ag 

OW  down  thine  ear,  O  Jehovah,  and  answer  me; 
For  I  am  poor  and  needy. 


For  thou,  Lord,  art  good,  and  ready  to  forgive, 

And  abundant  in  lovingkindness  unto  all  them  that  call 

upon  thee. 
There  is  none  like  unto  thee  among  the  gods,  O  Lord; 
Neither  are  there  any  works  like  unto  thy  works. 
For  thou  art  great,  and  doest  wondrous  things ; 
Thou  art  God  alone. 

Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Jehovah;  I  will  walk  in  thy  truth: 
Unite  my  heart  to  fear  thy  name. 
Oh  turn  unto  me,  and  have  mercy  upon  me; 
Give  thy  strength  unto  thy  servant, 
And  save  the  son  of  thy  handmaid. 
Show  me  a  token  for  good. 
That  they  who  hate  me  may  see  it,  and  be  put  to  shame, 


Poetic  Writings  191 


Because  thou,  Jehovah,  hast  helped  me,  and  comforted 
me. 

Psalm  86:1,  5,  8,  10,  11,  16,  17 

From  the  night  our  spirit  awaketh  unto  Thee,  O  God, 
for  Thy  precepts  are  a  light  unto  us.  Teach  us,  O  God, 
Thy  righteousness,  Thy  commandments,  and  Thy  judg- 
ments. Enlighten  the  eyes  of  our  mind,  that  we  sleep 
not  in  sins  unto  death.  Drive  away  all  darkness  from 
our  hearts.  Vouchsafe  us  the  sun  of  righteousness. 
Guard  our  lives  from  all  reproach  by  the  seal  of  Thy  holy 
spirit.  Guide  our  steps  into  the  way  of  peace.  Grant 
us  to  behold  the  dawn  and  the  day  with  joy  fulness,  that 
we  may  send  up  to  Thee  our  prayers  at  eventide. — Amen. 
Day-hreaTc  Office  of  Eastern  Church 


94 


^  JEHOVAH  God  of  hosts. 


Who  is  a  mighty  one,  like  unto  thee,  O  Jehovah? 
And  thy  faithfulness  is  round  about  thee. 
Thou  rulest  the  pride  of  the  sea: 
When  the  waves  thereof  arise,  thou  stillest  them. 
Thou  hast  broken  Rahab  in  pieces,  as  one  that  is  slain; 
Thou  hast  scattered  thine  enemies  with  the  arm  of  thy 

strength. 
The  heavens  are  thine,  the  earth  also  is  thin^j: 
The  world  and  the  fulness  thereof,  thou  hast  founded 

them. 


19^  Morning  Readings 

The  north  and  the  south,  thou  hast  created  them: 

Tabor  and  Hermon  rejoice  in  thy  name. 

Righteousness    and   justice    are    the    foundation    of    thy 

throne : 
Lovingkindness  and  truth  go  before  thy  face. 
Blessed  is  the  people  that  know  the  joyful  sound: 
They  walk,  O  Jehovah,  in  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 
In  thy  name  do  they  rejoice  all  the  day; 
And  in  thy  righteousness  are  they  exalted. 
For  thou  art  the  glory  of  their  strength; 
And  in  thy  favor  our  horn  shall  be  exalted. 
For  our  shield  belongeth  unto  Jehovah; 
And  our  king  to  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

Psalm  89  :S-1^,  14-18 

O  Lord  our  God,  impose  thine  awe  upon  all  thy  works, 
and  thy  dread  upon  all  that  thou  hast  created,  that  all 
works  may  fear  thee  and  all  creatures  prostrate  them- 
selves before  thee,  that  they  may  all  form  a  single  band 
to  do  thy  will  with  a  perfect  heart,  even  as  we  know,  O 
Lord  our  God,  that  dominion  is  thine,  strength  is  in  thy 
hand,  and  might  in  thy  right  hand,  and  that  thy  name  is 
to  be  feared  above  all  that  thou  hast  created. 

Then  shall  the  just  also  see  and  be  glad,  and  the  up- 
right shall  exult,  and  the  pious  triumphantly  rejoice, 
while  iniquity  shall  close  her  mouth,  and  all  wickedness 
shall  be  wholly  consumed  by  smoke,  when  thou  makest 
the  dominion  of  arrogance  to  pass  away  from  the  earth. 
— ^Amen. 

Jewish  Prayer  Booh 


Poetic  Writings  19S 


95 

P0alm  of  tfie  jFIeeting  gears 

'TT  ORD,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place 

-^^In  all  generations. 

Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth, 

Or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 

Even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art  God. 

Thou  tumest  man  to  destruction, 

And  sayest,  Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight 

Are  but  as  yesterday  when  it  is  past, 

And  as  a  watch  in  the  night. 

The  days  of  our  years  are  three-score  years  and  ten, 

Or  even  by  reason  of  strength  fourscore  years ; 

Yet  is  their  pride  but  labor  and  sorrow ; 

For  it  is  soon  gone,  and  we  fly  away. 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days. 

That  we  may  get  us  a  heart  of  wisdom. 

O  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy;  that  we  may  rejoice 
and  be  glad  all  our  days. 

Mak^us  glad  according  to  the  days  wherein  thou  hast  af- 
flicted us, 

And  the  years  wherein  we  have  seen  evil. 

Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy  servants, 

And  thy  glory  upon  their  children. 

And  let  the  favor  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us; 

And  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us ; 

Yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish  thou  it. 

Psalm  90:1-4,  10,  12,  14-17 


194  Mommg  Readings 


O  Righteous  God !  It  is  a  solemn  thing  to  live  by  day 
and  night  beneath  thy  constant  eye  and  move  onwards  to 
thy  mysterious  eternity.  Touch  us  with  a  sacred  dread, 
that  we  may  stand  in  awe  and  sin  not ;  and  then,  may  we 
have  no  other  fear.  Open  our  ears,  as  at  a  midnight 
watch,  that  we  may  be  intent  at  the  faintest  approach  of 
evil,  and  the  softest  whisper  of  thy  grace.  Fill  us  with 
the  love  of  pureness,  that  we  may  redeem  our  lives  from 
confusion,  and  lift  up  our  wills  from  weakness,  and  in 
our  conscience  draw  nearer  to  thy  peace.  Amid  the 
temptations  of  passion  and  the  eagerness  of  the  world 
may  we  be  of  quiet  heart ;  seeing  that  the  fashion  of  this 
world  passeth  away.  Set  together  by  thee  on  the  same 
field  of  duty  and  of  danger,  may  we  be  all  of  one  heart 
and  mind;  in  pity  relieving,  in  mercy  forgiving,  and  in 
honor  preferring*  one  another ;  able  to  endure  hardness 
together,  as  true  soldiers  of  the  cross ;  and  seeing  that  we 
fall  not  out  by  the  short  and  narrow  way  that  leadeth 
unto  life. — ^Amen. 

James  Marti/neau  (1805-1900) 

96 

J^e  M  00V  Kefuge 

,E  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High 
Shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty. 

I  will  say  of  Jehovah,  He  is  my  refuge  and  my  fortress ; 

My  God,  in  whom  I  trust. 

For  he  will  deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler, 

And  from  the  deadly  pestilence. 


w. 


Poetic  Writings  195 


He  will  cover  thee  with  his  pinions, 

And  under  his  wings  shalt  thou  take  refuge : 

His  truth  is  a  shield  and  a  buckler. 

Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  the  terror  by  night, 

Nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day ; 

For  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness. 

Nor  for  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noonday. 

A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side. 

And  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand; 

But  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee. 

For  thou,  0  Jehovah,  art  my  refuge  1 

Thou  hast  made  the  Most  High  thy  habitation ; 

There  shall  no  evil  befall  thee. 

Neither  shall  any  plague  come  nigh  thy  tent. 

For  he  will  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee, 

To  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways. 

They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands. 

Lest  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone. 

Thou  shalt  tread  upon  the  lion  and  adder: 

The  young  lion  and  the  serpent  shalt  thou  trample  under 

foot. 
Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  me,  therefore  will  I 

deliver  him: 
I  will  set  him  on  high,  because  he  hath  known  my  name. 
He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  answer  him; 
I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble : 
I  will  deliver  him,  and  honor  him. 
With  long  life  will  I  satisfy  him, 
And  show  him  my  salvation. 

Psalm  91 


196  Morning  Readings 

O  Thou  great  Author  of  our  being,  who  knowest  all 
our  wants,  and  who  alone  art  able  to  supply  them;  who 
perceivest  all  the  dangers  and  evils  to  which  we  are  ex- 
posed, and  who  alone  canst  defend  us ;  whither  shall  we 
go  but  unto  thee !  We  pray  thee  to  compassionate  our 
weakness,  to  guard  us  in  peril,  to  direct  us  in  doubt,  and 
to  save  us  from  falling  into  sin.  In  every  exposure  may 
thy  shield  be  over  us.  From  the  evil  that  is  around  and 
within  us,  graciously  deliver  us.  Make  the  path  of  duty 
plain  before  us,  and  keep  us  in  it,  even  unto  the  end. — 
Amen. 

King's  Chapel  Liturgy 

97 

2t  30  a  (SooD  Cfting  to  ®i\}t  Cftanb0 

3T  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah. 
And  to  sing  praises  unto  thy  name,  O  Most  High ; 
To  show  forth  thy  lovingkindness  in  the  morning, 
And  thy  faithfulness  every  night. 

For  thou,  Jehovah,  hast  made  me  glad  through  thy  work : 
I  will  triumph  in  the  works  of  thy  hands. 
How  great  are  thy  works,  O  Jehovah! 
Thy  thoughts  are  very  deep. 
A  brutish  man  knoweth  not; 
Neither  doth  a  fool  understand  this : 
When  the  wicked  spring  as  the  grass, 
And  when  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  do  flourish; 
It  is  that  they  shall  be  destroyed  for  ever. 
But  thou,  O  Jehovah,  art  on  high  for  evermore. 
The  righteous  shall  flourish  like  the  palm-tree: 


Poetic  Writings  197 


He  shall  grow  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon. 
They  are  planted  in  the  house  of  Jehovah; 
They  shall  flourish  in  the  courts  of  our  God. 
Thy  shall  still  bring  forth  fruit  in  old  age ; 
They  shall  be  full  of  sap  and  green: 
To  chow  that  Jehovah  is  upright; 

He  is  my  rock,  and  there  is  no  unrighteousness  in  him. 

Psalm  92:1,  2,  4-8,  12-15 

Remember,  O  Lord,  all  who  bring  forth  fruit,  and  do 
good  works  in  thy  holy  churches,  and  who  are  mindful 
of  the  poor,  the  widows,  orphans,  strangers  and  indigent 
persons,  and  all  who  desire  to  be  remembered  in  our 
prayers. 

And  grant  that  we  may  all  find  mercy  and  favor  with 
all  thy  saints,  who,  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  have 
pleased  thee  in  their  several  generations,  patriarchs, 
prophets,  apostles,  martyrs,  and  every  just  spirit  made 
perfect  in  the  faith,  from  righteous  Abel  even  unto  this 
day;  do  thou  give  them  and  us  rest  in  the  region  of  the 
living,  in  the  bosom  of  the  holy  fathers,  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob,  whence  sorrow,  grief,  and  lamentation  are 
banished  away,  where  the  light  of  thy  countenance  visits 
and  shines  continually;  and  vouchsafe  to  bring  them  and 
us  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom. — Amen. 
Bishop  Lancelot  Andrewes  (1555-1626) 


198  Morning  Readings 

98 

3fe!)PDaf)  Heignett) 

fEHOVAH  reigneth;  he  is  clothed  with  majesty; 
Jehovah  is  clothed  with  strength ;  he  hath  girded  him- 
self therewith: 
The  world  also  is  established,  that  it  cannot  be  moved. 
Thy  throne  is  established  of  old : 
Thou  art  from  everlasting. 
The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O  Jehovah, 
The  floods  have  lifted  up  their  voice; 
The  floods  lift  up  their  waves. 
Above  the  voices  of  many  waters, 
The  mighty  breakers  of  the  sea, 
Jehovah  on  high  is  mighty. 
Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure: 
Holiness  becometh  thy  house, 
O  Jehovah,  for  evermore. 

Psalm  93 

Almighty  God,  Lord  of  the  storm  and  of  the  calm,  the 
vexed  sea  and  the  quiet  haven,  of  day  and  of  night,  of  life 
and  of  death — grant  us  so  to  have  our  hearts  stayed 
upon  Thy  faithfulness.  Thine  unchangingness  and  love, 
that,  whatsoever  betide  us,  however  black  the  cloud  or 
dark  the  night,  with  quiet  faith  trusting  in  Thee,  we 
may  look  upon  Thee  with  untroubled  eye,  and  walking  in 
lowliness  towards  Thee,  and  in  lovingness  towards  one 
another,  abide  all  storms  and  troubles  of  this  mortal  life, 


Poetic  Writings  199 


beseeching  Thee  that  they  turn  to  the  soul's  true  good. 
— Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 

99 

2D  Come,  Let  O0  mor!5f)ip 

ll^H  come,  let  us  sing  unto  Jehovah; 
^tt^Let  us  make  a  joyful  noise  to  the  rock  of  our  sal- 
vation. 
Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with  thanksgiving; 
Let  us  make  a  joyful  noise  unto  him  with  psalms. 
For  Jehovah  is  a  great  God, 
And  a  great  King  above  all  gods. 
In  his  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the  earth; 
The  heights  of  the  mountains  are  his  also. 
The  sea  is  his,  and  he  made  it ; 
And  his  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 
Oh  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down; 
Let  us  kneel  before  Jehovah  our  Maker : 
For  he  is  our  God, 

And  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of 
his  hand. 

Psalm  95:1-7 

O  God,  by  whose  will  all  things  were  made,  and  by 
whose  truth  they  continue  in  being;  we  beseech  Thee,  to 
keep  us  under  Thy  shelter,  lest  we  be  cast  down  from 
our  chief  happiness  by  the  swellings  of  pride;  grant  us 
ever  to  ascend  into  heaven  by  the  steps  of  humility ;  and 


200  Mornmg  Readings 

because  Thou  art  the  Fountain  of  Life,  from  Thee  maj 
we  drink  what  by  faith  we  thirst  for;  in  Thy  light  may 
we  shine  with  the  light  of  knowledge,  and  reap  the  fruit 
of  righteousness  in  an  everlasting  exaltation. — Amen. 
Mozarabic  Liturgy  (700  A.  D.) 

100 

©  Sing  ainto  tfte  LotO  a  iQeto  Song 

ll^H  sing  unto  Jehovah  a  new  song: 

^^^Sing  unto  Jehovah,  all  the  earth. 

Sing  unto  Jehovah,  bless  his  name; 

Show  forth  his  salvation  from  day  to  day. 

Declare  his  glory  among  the  nations, 

His  marvellous  works  among  all  the  peoples. 

For  great  is  Jehovah,  and  greatly  to  be  praised: 

He  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 

For  all  the  gods  of  the  peoples  are  idols; 

But  Jehovah  made  the  heavens. 

Honor  and  majesty  are  before  him: 

Strength  and  beauty  are  in  his  sanctuary. 

Ascribe  unto  Jehovah,  ye  kindreds  of  the  peoples, 

Ascribe  unto  Jehovah  glory  and  strength. 

Ascribe   unto    Jehovah    the   glory   due   unto    his    name: 

Bring  an  offering,  and  come  into  his  courts. 

Oh  worship  Jehovah  in  holy  array: 

Tremble  before  him,  all  the  earth. 

Say  among  the  nations,  Jehovah  reigneth: 

The  world  also  is  established  that  it  cannot  be  moved: 

He  will  judge  the  peoples  with  equity. 


Poetic  Writings  201 


Let  the  heavens  be  glad,  and  let  the  earth  rejoice; 

Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof; 

Let  the  field  exult,  and  all  that  is  therein ; 

Then  shall  all  the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  for  joy 

Before  Jehovah;  for  he  cometh, 

For  he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth: 

He  will  judge  the  world  with  righteousness, 

And  the  peoples  with  his  truth. 

Psalm  96 

O  Lord,  whom  all  Thy  good  creatures  bless  and  praise 
according  to  Thy  gift  unto  each  of  them,  grant,  we 
pray  Thee,  that  we  on  whom  Thou  hast  bestowed  reason 
and  speech  may  ever  bless  Thee  with  heart  and  lips,  and 
may  of  Thine  infinite  mercy  inherit  a  blessing,  even  the 
eternal  blessedness  of  heaven. — Amen. 

Christina  G.  Rossetti  (1830-1894) 

101 

3fe6otoa6  JReignetfi;  Utt  tfte  ©attft  Kefoice 

fEHOVAH  reigneth;  let  the  earth  rejoice; 
Let  the  multitude  of  isles  be  glad. 
The  heavens  declare  his  rightousness. 
And  all  the  peoples  have  seen  his  glory. 
For  thou,  Jehovah,  art  most  high  above  all  the  earth: 
Thou  art  exalted  far  above  all  gods. 
O  ye  that  love  Jehovah,  hate  evil: 
He  preserveth  the  souls  of  his  saints ; 
He  delivereth  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the  wicked. 


202  Mornmg  Readings 

Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous, 

And  gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart. 

Be  glad  in  Jehovah,  ye  righteous ; 

And  give  thanks  to  his  holy  memorial  name. 

Psalm  97:1,  6,  9-12 

We  bless  and  praise  and  magnify  Thee,  O  God  of  our 
fathers,  who  hast  led  us  out  of  the  shadows  of  night  once 
more  into  the  light  of  day.  Unto  Thy  loving  kindness 
we  make  our  entreaty;  be  merciful  to  our  misdeeds;  ac- 
cept our  prayers  in  the  fulness  of  Thy  compassions,  for 
Thou  art  our  refuge  from  one  generation  to  another,  O 
merciful  and  almighty  God.  Suffer  the  true  Sun  of  Thy 
righteousness  to  shine  in  our  hearts,  enlighten  our  rea- 
son, and  purify  our  senses;  that  so  we  may  walk  hon- 
estly as  in  the  day,  in  the  way  of  Thy  commandments, 
and  reach  at  last  the  life  eternal,  where  we  shall  rejoice 
in  Thy  inaccessible  life.  For  Thou  art  the  Fountain  of 
Life,  and  in  Thy  light  shall  we  see  light. — Amen. 

Greek  Church 

102 

9@abe  a  3fogful  moi$t,  ail  tfte  OBattft 

iflfJAKE  a  joyful  noise  unto  Jehovah,  all  the  earth: 
^vl-Break  forth  and  sing  for  joy,  yea,  sing  praises. 
Sing  praises  unto  Jehovah  with  the  harp ; 
With  the  harp  and  the  voice  of  melody. 
With  trumpets  and  sound  of  cornet 
Make  a  joyful  noise  before  the  King,  Jehovah. 
Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof ; 


Poetic  Writings  203 


The  world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein; 

Let  the  floods  clap  their  hands; 

Let  the  hills  sing  for  joy  together 

Before  Jehovah;  for  he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth: 

He  will  judge  the  world  with  righteousness, 

And  the  peoples  with  equity. 

Psalm  98:4-9 

Praised  Be  Thou,  O  God,  Almighty  Ruler,  who  dost 
make  the  day  bright  with  Thy  sunshine,  and  the  night 
with  the  beams  of  heavenly  fires!  Listen  now  to  our 
prayers,  and  forgive  us  both  our  conscious  and  uncon- 
scious transgressions.  Clothe  us  with  the  armor  of 
righteousness;  shield  us  with  Thy  truth;  watch  over  us 
with  Thy  power;  save  us  from  all  calamity;  and  give  us 
grace  to  pass  all  the  days  of  our  life,  blameless,  holy, 
peaceful,  free  from  sin,  terror,  and  offence.  For  with 
Thee  is  mercy  and  plenteous  redemption,  our  Lord  and 
God,  and  to  Thee  we  bring  our  thanks  and  praise. — 
Amen. 

Greek  Church 

103 

Cfte  2Dne  ^unDretitl)  P0alm 

/M[AKE  a  joyful  noise  unto  Jehovah,  all  ye  lands^ 
^jn^^Serve  Jehovah  with  gladness: 
Come  before  his  presence  with  singing. 
Know  ye  that  Jehovah,  he  is  God: 
It  is  he  that  hath  made  us,  and  we  are  his ; 
We  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture. 


^04i  Morning  Readings 

Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiving, 

And  into  his  courts  with  praise: 

Give  thanks  unto  him,  and  bless  his  name. 

For  Jehovah  is   good;   his   lovingkindness   endureth  for 

ever, 
And  his  faithfulness  unto  all  generations. 

Psalm  100 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we.  Thine  un- 
worthy servants,  do  give  Thee  most  humble  and  hearty 
thanks  for  all  Thy  goodness  and  lovingkindness  to  us 
and  to  all  men.  We  bless  Thee  for  our  creation,  pres- 
ervation, and  all  the  blessings  of  this  life  and  for  the 
hope  of  glory.  And  we  beseech  Thee,  give  us  that  due 
sense  of  all  Thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts  may  be  un- 
feignedly  thankful,  and  that  we  show  forth  Thy  praise, 
not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  Lives,  by  giving  up 
ourselves  to  Thy  service  and  by  walking  before  Thee  in 
holiness  and  righteousness   all  our  days. — ^Amen. 

Book  of  Common  Trayer 

104 

lS\t%%  tbe  iLorti,  ffl)  ^p  %b\x\ 

212 ^ESS  Jehovah,  0  my  soul; 

J*^And  all  that  is  within  me,  hless  his  holy  name. 

Bless  Jehovah,  O  my  soul, 

And  forget  not  all  his  benefits : 

Who  f orgiveth  all  thine  iniquities ; 

Who  healeth  all  thy  diseases ; 


Poetic  Writmgs  205 


Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruction; 
Who  crowneth  thee  with  lovingkindness  and  tender  mer- 
cies; 
Jehovah  is  merciful  and  gracious, 
Slow  to  anger,  and  abundant  in  lovingkindness. 
He  will  not  always  chide; 
Neither  will  he  keep  his  anger  for  ever. 
He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins. 
Nor  rewarded  us  after  our  iniquities. 
For  as  the  heavens  are  high  above  the  earth, 
So  great  is  his  lovingkindness  toward  them  that  fear  him. 
As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west. 
So  far  hath  he  removed  our  transgressions  from  us. 
Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children. 
So  Jehovah  pitieth  them  that  fear  him. 
Jehovah  hath  established  his  throne  in  the  heavens; 
And  his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all. 
Bless  Jehovah,  ye  his  angels. 

That  are  mighty  in  strength,  that  fulfil  his  word, 
Hearkening  unto  the  voice  of  his  word. 
Bless  Jehovah,  all  ye  his  hosts. 
Ye  ministers  of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure. 
Bless  Jehovah,  all  ye  his  works, 
In  all  places  of  his  dominion: 
Bless  Jehovah,  O  my  soul. 

Psalm  103:1-4,  8-13,  19-22 

Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul!  For  doth  not  all  nature 
around  us  praise  Him?  If  we  were  silent,  we  should  be 
an  exception  to  the  universe.  Doth  not  the  thunder 
praise  Him  as  it  rolls  like  drums  in  the  march  of  the  God 


W6  Morning  Readings 

of  armies?  Do  not  the  mountains  praise  Him  when  the 
woods  upon  their  summits  wave  in  adoration?  Does  not 
the  lightning  write  His  name  in  letters  of  fire  upon  the 
midnight  darkness?  Hath  not  the  whole  earth  a  voice, 
and  shall  we,  can  we,  be  silent?  "Bless  the  Lord,  O  my 
soul."^ — ^Amen, 

Charles  H,  Spurgeon 

105 

^oto  9@anifolO  are  Clip  Eaorfe0 

PLESS   Jehovah,  O  my  soul. 
0  Jehovah  my  God,  thou  art  very  great ; 
Thou  art  clothed  with  honor  and  majesty: 
Who  coverest  thyself  with  light  as  with  a  garment; 
Who  stretchest  out  the  heavens  like  a  curtain; 
Who  layeth  the  beams  of  his  chambers  in  the  waters; 
Who  maketh  the  clouds  his  chariot; 
Who  walketh  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind; 
Who  maketh  winds  his  messengers; 
Flames  of  fire  his  ministers ; 
Who  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth. 
That  it  should  not  be  moved  for  ever. 
He  watereth  the  mountains  from  his  chambers: 
The  earth  is  filled  with  the  fruit  of  thy  works. 
He  causeth  the  grass  to  grow  for  the  cattle, 
And  herb  for  the  service  of  man; 
That  he  may  bring  forth  food  out  of  the  earth, 
He  appointed  the  moon  for  Reasons: 
The  sun  knoweth  his  going  down. 
Thou  makest  darkness,  and  it  is  night, 


Poetic  Writings  207 


Wherein  all  the  beasts  of  the  forest  creep  forth. 

The  young  lions  roar  after  their  prey, 

And  seek  their  food  from  God. 

The  sun  ariseth,  they  get  them  away, 

And  lay  them  down  in  their  dens. 

Man  goeth  forth  unto  his  work 

And  to  his  labor  until  the  evening. 

0  Jehovah,  how  manifold  are  thy  works ! 
In  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all : 
The  earth  is  full  of  thy  riches. 

Let  the  glory  of  Jehovah  endure  for  ever; 
Let  Jehovah  rejoice  in  his  works: 

1  will  sing  unto  Jehovah  as  long  as  I  live: 

I  will  sing  praise  to  my  God  while  I  have  any  being. 
Bless  Jehovah,  O  my  soul. 

Psalm  104  :l-5, 13, 14,  19-24,  31,  33 

O  Lord,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  things,  who 
with  unerring  wisdom  maintainest  the  beauty  and  order 
of  thy  works;  we  look  up  with  joy  and  confidence  unto 
thy  gracious  power,  which  causes  the  returning  seasons 
to  know  their  place.  Bless,  we  beseech  thee,  the  spring- 
ing of  the  year,  and  enrich  the  earth  with  the  rain  of 
heaven.  May  grass  grow  for  the  cattle  and  herbs  and 
fruits  for  the  servdce  of  man.  May  our  pastures  be 
clothed  with  flocks,  our  valleys  covered  with  com,  and 
the  year  crowned  with  thy  goodness;  and  may  we  so  im- 
prove the  various  blessings  of  thy  providence  in  this 
world,  as  to  be  prepared  for  the  unchangeable  felicities 
of  thine  everlasting  kingdom. — Amen. 

King's  Chapel  Liturgy  (1785) 


208  Morning  Readings 

106 

ffl)  aitie  Cf)ank0,  for  ^e  30  ©ooD 

IJ^H  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah;  for  he  is  good; 
^^t^For  his  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 
Let  the  redeemed  of  Jehovah  say  so, 

Whom  he  hath  redeemed  from  the  hand  of  the  adversary, 
They  wandered  in  the  wilderness  in  a  desert  way; 
They  found  no  city  of  habitation. 
Hungry  and  thirsty, 
Their  soul  fainted  in  them. 
Then  they  cried  unto  Jehovah  in  their  trouble, 
And  he  delivered  them  out  of  their  distresses, 
He  led  them  also  by  a  straight  way, 
That  they  might  go  to  a  city  of  habitation. 
Oh  that  men  would  praise  Jehovah  for  his  lovingkindness, 
And  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men! 
For  he  satisfieth  the  longing  soul, 
And  the  hungry  soul  he  filleth  with  good. 
Fools  because  of  their  transgression. 
And  because  of  their  iniquities,  are  afflicted. 
Their  soul  abhorreth  all  manner  of  food; 
And  they  draw  near  unto  the  gates  of  death. 
Then  they  cry  unto  Jehovah  in  their  trouble, 
And  he  saveth  them  out  of  their  distresses. 
He  sendeth  his  word,  and  healeth  them. 
And  delivereth  them  from  their  destructions. 
Oh  that  men  would  praise  Jehovah  for  his  lovingkind- 
ness. 
And  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men! 


Poetic  Writmgs  209 


And  let  them  offer  the  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving, 
And  declare  his  works  with  singing. 

Psalm  107:1,2,4-9,17-22 

Blessed  art  Thou,  0  Lord  our  God,  the  God  of  our 
fathers,  who  tumest  the  shadow  of  death  into  the  morn- 
ing; who  hast  lightened  our  eyes,  that  we  sleep  not  in 
death.  O  Lord,  blot  out  as  a  night-mist  our  iniquities. 
Scatter  our  sins  as  a  morning  cloud.  Grant  that  we 
may  become  children  of  the  light,  and  of  the  day.  Vouch- 
safe to  keep  us  this  day  without  sin.  Uphold  us  when 
we  are  falling,  and  lift  us  up  when  we  are  down.  Pre- 
serve this  day  from  any  evil  of  ours,  and  us  from  the  evils 
of  the  day.  Let  this  day  add  some  knowledge,  or  good 
deed,  to  yesterday.  Oh,  let  us  hear  Thy  lovingkindness 
in  the  morning,  for  in  Thee  is  our  trust.  Teach  us  to 
do  the  thing  that  pleaseth  Thee,  for  Thou  art  our  God. 
Let  Thy  loving  Spirit  lead  us  forth  into  the  land  of 
righteousness. — Amen. 

Bishop  Lancelot  Andrewes  (1555-1626) 

107 

taj|)O0o  30  miu  mill  ©itie  l^eeD 

ll^H  that  men  would  praise  Jehovah  for  his  loving- 

^^     "kindness. 

And  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men ! 

Let  them  exalt  him  also  in  the  assembly  of  the  people. 

And  praise  him  in  the  seat  of  the  elders. 

He  tumeth  rivers  into  a  wilderness, 


210  Morning  Readings 

And  watersprings  into  a  thirsty  ground ; 

A  fruitful  land  into  a  salt  desert, 

For  the  wickedness  of  them  that  dwell  therein. 

He  turneth  a  wilderness  into  a  pool  of  water, 

And  a  dry  land  into  watersprings. 

And  there  he  maketh  the  hungry  to  dwell. 

That  they  may  prepare  a  city  of  habitation. 

And  sow  fields,  and  plant  vineyards. 

And  get  them  fruits  of  increase. 

He  blesseth  them  also,  so  that  they  are  multiplied  greatly ; 

And  he  suffereth  not  their  cattle  to  decrease. 

Again,  they  are  diminished  and  bowed  down 

Through  oppression,  trouble,  and  sorrow. 

He  poureth  contempt  upon  princes. 

And  causeth  them  to  wander  in  the  waste,  where  there 

is  no  way. 
Yet  setteth  he  the  needy  on  high  from  affliction, 
And  maketh  him  families  like  a  flock. 
The  upright  shall  see  it,  and  be  glad ; 
And  all  iniquity  shall  stop  her  mouth. 
Whoso  is  wise  will  give  heed  to  these  things ; 
And  they  will  consider  the  lovingkindness  of  Jehovah, 

Psalm  107:31-43 

O  Thou  holy  and  unspeakable,  Thou  wonderful  and 
mighty  God,  whose  power  and  wisdom  hath  no  end,  be- 
fore whom  all  powers  tremble,  at  whose  glance  the  heav- 
ens and  the  earth  flee  away.  Thou  art  Love,  Thou  art 
our  Father,  and  we  will  love  and  worship  Thee  forever 
and  ever!  Thou  hast  deigned  to  show  pity  on  us,  and 
a  ray  from  Thy  light  hath  shone  upon  our  inward  eye. 


Poetic   Writings  211 


Guide  us  on  into  the  perfect  light,  that  it  may  illumine 
us  wholly,  and  that  all  darkness  may  flee  away.  Let  the 
holy  flame  of  Thy  love  so  bum  in  our  hearts  that  they 
be  made  pure  and  we  may  see  Thee,  0  God ;  for  it  is  the 
pure  in  heart  who  see  Thee.  Thou  hast  set  us  free; 
Thou  hast  dra^vn  us  to  Thee;  therefore  forsake  us  not, 
but  keep  us  always  in  Thy  grace.  Guide  us  and  rule 
us,  and  perfect  us  for  Thy  kingdom. — Amen. 

St.  Augmtine  (354-430) 

108 

Cfte  caotb0  of  ^10  ^anD0  ate  Ctutft 

PRAISE  ye  Jehovah. 

^p'l  will  give  thanks  unto  Jehovah  with  my  whole  heart, 

In  the  council  of  the  upright,  and  in  the  congregation. 

The  works  of  Jehovah  are  great, 

Sought  out  of  all  them  that  have  pleasure  therein. 

His  work  is  honor  and  majesty; 

And  his  righteousness  endureth  for  ever. 

He  hath  made  his  wonderful  works  to  be  remembered: 

Jehovah  is  gracious  and  merciful. 

He  hath  given  food  unto  them  that  fear  him : 

He  will  ever  be  mindful  of  his  covenant. 

He  hath  showed  his  people  the  power  of  his  works, 

In  giving  them  the  heritage  of  tlie  nations. 

The  works  of  his  hands  are  truth  and  justice; 

All  his  precepts  are  sure. 

They  are  established  for  ever  and  ever; 

They  are  done  in  truth  and  uprightness* 


212  Mornmg  Readings 

He  hath  sent  redemption  unto  his  people ; 

He  hath  commanded  his  covenant  for  ever : 

Holy  and  reverend  is  his  name. 

The  fear  of  Jehovah  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom ; 

A  good  understanding  have  all  they  that  do  his  command' 

Tuents: 
His  praise  endureth  for  ever. 

Psalm  111 

O  Lord  God,  Father  of  mercies,  the  xountain  of  com- 
fort and  blessing,  of  life  and  peace,  of  plenty  and  par- 
don, who  fillest  heaven  with  Thy  glory,  and  earth  with 
Thy  goodness;  we  give  Thee  the  most  earnest,  and  most 
humble  returns  of  glad  and  thankful  hearts,  for  Thou 
hast  refreshed  us  with  Thy  comforts,  and  enlarged  us 
with  Thy  blessing;  for,  besides  the  blessings  of  all  man- 
kind, the  blessings  of  nature  and  the  blessings  of  grace, 
the  support  of  every  minute,  and  the  comforts  of  every 
day.  Thou  hast  poured  out  an  excellent  expression  of 
Thy  lovingkindness  upon  us.  Thou,  Lord,  hast  made 
us  glad  through  Thy  works;  we  wiU  rejoice  in  giving 
praise  for  the  operations  of  Thy  hand.  Blessed  be  the 
Lord  who  only  doeth  wondrous  and  gracious  things. 
And  blessed  be  the  name  of  his  majesty  for  ever;  and  all 
the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  his  majesty. — Amen. 

Jeremy  Taylor  (1613-1667) 


Poetic   Writings  21 S 


109 

lSIe00eD  10  tfte  Q^an  Cftat  Jfearetb  tfte  LorD 

PRAISE  ye  Jehovah. 

^I^Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  Jehovah, 

That  dehghteth  greatly  in  his  commandments. 

His  seed  shall  be  mighty  upon  earth: 

The  generation  of  the  upright  shall  be  blessed. 

Wealth  and  riches  are  in  his  house; 

And  his  righteousness  endureth  for  ever. 

Unto  the  upright  there  ariseth  light  in  the  darkness: 

He  is  gracious,  and  merciful,  and  righteous. 

Well  is  it  with  the  man  that  dealeth  graciously  and  lend- 

eth; 
He  shall  maintain  his  cause  in  judgment. 
For  he  shall  never  be  moved ; 

The  righteous  shall  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance. 
He  shall  not  be  afraid  of  evil  tidings: 
His  heart  is  fixed,  trusting  in  Jehovah. 
His  heart  is  established,  he  shall  not  be  afraid. 
He  hath  dispersed,  he  hath  given  to  the  needy ; 
His  righteousness  endureth  for  ever: 
His  horn  shall  be  exalted  with  honor. 
The  wicked  shall  see  it,  and  be  grieved; 
He  shall  gnash  with  his  teeth,  and  melt  away: 
The  desire  of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 

Psalm  lis 

Grant  unto  us.  Almighty  God,  Thy  peace  that  pass- 
eth  understanding;  that  we,  amid  the  storms  and  trou- 


214  Morning  Readings 

bles  of  this  our  life,  may  rest  in  Thee,  knowing  that  all 
things  are  in  Thee,  under  Thy  care,  governed  by  Thy 
will,  guarded  by  Thy  love;  so  that  with  a  quiet  heart 
we  may  see  the  storms  of  life,  the  cloud  and  the  thick 
darkness;  ever  rejoicing  to  know  that  the  darkness  and 
the  light  are  both  alike  to  Thee.  Guide,  guard,  and  gov- 
ern us  even  to  the  end,  that  none  of  us  may  fail  to  lay 
hold  upon  the  immortal  life. — Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


110 

fl)  Cftat  9^p  MJap0  mttt  ([B0ta6Ii0!)eD  to 
Bieep  Cbp  @)tatute0 

JfJLESSED  are  they  that  are  perfect  in  the  way, 

?^Who  walk  in  the  law  of  Jehovah. 

Blessed  are  they  that  keep  his  testimonies, 

That  seek  him  with  the  whole  heart. 

Yea,  they  do  no  unrighteousness; 

They  walk  in  his  ways. 

Thou  hast  commanded  us  thy  precepts, 

That  we  should  observe  them  diligently. 

Oh  that  my  ways  were  established 

To  keep  thy  statutes! 

Then  shall  I  not  be  put  to  shame, 

When  I  have  respect  unto  all  thy  commandments. 

I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee  with  uprightness  of  heart, 

When  I  learn  thy  righteous  judgments. 

I  will  observe  thy  statutes: 

Oh  forsake  me  not  utterly. 


Poetic  Writings  215 


Wherewith  shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his  way? 

By  taking  heed  thereto  according  to  thy  word. 

With  my  whole  heart  have  I  sought  thee: 

Oh  let  me  not  wander  from  thy  commandments. 

Thy  word  have  I  laid  up  in  my  heart, 

That  I  might  not  sin  against  thee. 

Blessed  art  thou,  O  Jehovah: 

Teach  me  thy  statutes. 

With  my  lips  have  I  declared 

All  the  ordinances  of  thy  mouth. 

I  have  rejoiced  in  the  way  of  thy  testimonies, 

As  much  as  in  all  riches. 

I  will  meditate  on  thy  precepts, 

And  have  respect  unto  thy  ways. 

I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  statutes: 

I  will  not  forget  thy  word. 

Psalm  119:1-16 

Grant  us  clear  insight  into  the  truth,  steadfast  ap- 
prehension of  the  right,  that  through  the  mazes  of  this 
world's  errors  and  temptations  we  may  walk  unhindered 
and  unfalteringly  the  pathway  of  godliness.  Grant  us 
strength  to  do  Thy  will.  Lead  Thou  us  by  the  hand, 
as  a  father  leadeth  his  child,  lest  we  fall. 

Satisfy  us  early  through  Thy  mercy,  that  we  may 
rejoice  in  Thee  and  give  thanks  unto  Thee  all  the  days 
of  our  life. — ^Amen. 

Jewish  Liturgy 


216  Morning  Readings 

111 

CeacI)  age,  2D  3feftotja|) 

^ir^ACH  me,  0  Jehovah,  the  way  of  thy  statutes; 

^^And  I  shall  keep  it  unto  the  end. 

Give  me  understanding,  and  I  shall  keep  thy  law ; 

Yea,  I  shall  observ^e  it  with  my  whole  heart. 

Make  me  to  go  in  the  path  of  thy  commandments; 

For  therein  do  I  delight. 

Incline  my  heart  unto  thy  testimonies, 

And  not  to  covetousness. 

Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  beholding  vanity. 

And  quicken  me  in  thy  ways. 

Confirm  unto  thy  servant  thy  word, 

Which  is  in  order  unto  the  fear  of  thee. 

Turn  away  my  reproach  whereof  I  am  afraid; 

For  thine  ordinances  are  good. 

Behold,  I  have  longed  after  thy  precepts: 

Quicken  me  in  thy  righteousness. 

Oh  how  love  I  thy  law ! 

It  is  my  meditation  all  the  day. 

Thy  commandments  make  me  wiser  than  mine  enemies; 

For  they  are  ever  with  me. 

I  have  more  understanding  than  all  my  teachers ; 

For  thy  testimonies  are  my  meditation. 

I  understand  more  than  the  aged. 

Because  I  have  kept  thy  precepts. 

I  have  refrained  my  feet  from  every  evil  way. 

That  I  might  observe  thy  word. 

I  have  not  turned  aside  from  thine  ordinances ; 


Poetic  Writings  ^17 


For  thou  hast  taught  me. 

How  sweet  are  thy  words  unto  my  taste! 

Yeay  sweeter  than  honey  to  my  mouth ! 

Through  thy  precepts  I  get  understanding: 

Therefore  I  hate  every  false  way. 

Thy  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  a  heritage  for  ever; 

For  they  are  the  rejoicing  of  my  heart. 

I  have  inclined  my  heart  to  perform  thy  statutes 

For  ever,  even  unto  the  end. 

Psalm  119:33-40,  97-104,  111,  112 

Grant  unto  us,  almighty  God,  the  knowledge  of  Thy 
way,  and  the  spirit  of  obedience  thereunto,  that,  being 
confirmed  in  thought  and  words  unto  Thy  way.  Thy 
peace  may  rule  in  our  hearts.  Help  us  to  cast  out  all 
those  things  which  are  contrary  to  Thy  peace,  or  that 
are  not  according  to  Thy  will,  that  so  ours  may  be  the 
quiet  life  of  trust,  and  faith  and  obedience,  living  lowly, 
longing  for  thy  truth,  and  walking  in  the  light  thereof, 
that  Thy  blessing  may  be  upon  us,  and  the  light  of  our 
countenance  our  perpetual  delight. — ^Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 

112 

9  mill  Lift  m  m^t  OBges 

2if  WILL  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  mountains: 
^  From  whence  shall  my  help  come? 
My  help  cometh  from  Jehovah, 
Who  made  heaven  and  earth. 


218  Morning  Readings 

He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved: 

He  tliat  keepeth  thee  will  not  slumber. 

Behold,  he  that  keepeth  Israel 

Will  neither  slumber  nor  sleep. 

Jehovah  is  thy  keeper: 

Jehovah  is  thy  shade  upon  thy  right  hand. 

The  sun  shall  not  smite  thee  by  day, 

Nor  the  moon  by  night. 

Jehovah  will  keep  thee  from  all  evil; 

He  will  keep  thy  soul. 

Jehovah  will  keep  thy  going  out  and  thy  coming  in 

From  this  time  forth  and  for  evermore. 

Psalm  121 

Cause  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  to  lie  down  in  peace,  and 
raise  us  up,  O  our  King,  unto  life.  Spread  over  us  the 
tabernacle  of  Thy  peace ;  direct  us  aright  through  Thine 
own  good  counsel ;  save  us  for  Thy  name's  sake ;  be  Thou 
a  shield  about  us;  remove  from  us  every  enemy,  pesti- 
lence, sword,  famine  and  sorrow;  remove  also  the  adver- 
sary from  before  us  and  from  behind  us.  O  shelter  us 
beneath  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings;  for  Thou,  O  God, 
art  our  Guardian  and  our  Deliverer;  yea.  Thou,  0  God, 
art  a  gracious  and  merciful  King;  and  guard  our  going 
out  and  our  coming  in  unto  life  and  unto  peace  from  this 
Time  forth  and  for  evermore.  Blessed  art  thou,  O  Lord, 
who  guardest  thy  people  for  ever. 

Jewish  Prayer  Book 


Poetic  Writings  219 


lis 

ffl)ut  JFeet  S>tooD  jaitftin  CJ)g  ©ates 

3  WAS  glad  when  they  said  unto  me, 
Let  us  go  unto  the  house  of  Jehovah. 
Our  feet  are  standing 
Within  thy  gates,  O  Jerusalem, 
Jerusalem,  that  art  builded 
As  a  city  that  is  compact  together; 
Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  even  the  tribes  of  Jehovah, 
For  an  ordinance  for  Israel, 
To  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of  Jehovah. 
For  there  are  set  thrones  for  judgment, 
The  thrones  of  the  house  of  David. 
Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem: 
They  shall  prosper  that  love  thee. 
Peace  be  within  thy  walls. 
And  prosperity  within  thy  palaces. 
For  my  brethren  and  companions'  sakes, 
I  will  now  say,  Peace  be  within  thee. 
For  the  sake  of  the  house  of  Jehovah  our  God 
I  will  seek  thy  good. 

Psalm  122 

We  most  earnestly  beseech  Thee,  O  Thou  Lover  of 
mankind,  to  bless  all  Thy  people,  the  flocks  of  Thy  fold. 
Send  down  into  our  hearts  the  peace  of  heaven,  and  grant 
us  also  the  peace  of  this  life.  Give  life  to  the  souls  of 
all  of  us,  and  let  no  deadly  sin  prevail  against  us,  or 
any  of  Thy  people.     Deliver  all  who  are  in  trouble,  for 


220  Morning  Readings 

Thou  art  our  God,  who  settest  the  captives  free;  who 
givest  hope  to  the  hopeless,  and  help  to  the  helpless; 
who  liftest  up  the  fallen;  and  who  art  the  Haven  of  the 
shipwrecked.  Give  Thy  pity,  pardon,  and  refreshment 
to  every  soul,  whether  in  affliction  or  error.  Preserve  us, 
in  our  pilgrimage  through  this  life  from  hurt  and  dan- 
ger, and  grant  that  we  may  end  our  lives  as  well-pleasing 
to  Thee  and  free  from  sin,  and  that  we  may  have  our 
portion  and  lot  with  all  Thy  saints. — Amen. 

Liturgy  of  St.  Mark  (175-254.?) 

114 

20raer0  ^ong  of  Delitjetance 

3F  it  had  not  been  Jehovah  who  was  on  our  side. 
Let  Israel  now  say. 
If  it  had  not  been  Jehovah  who  was  on  our  side. 
When  men  rose  up  against  us; 
Then  they  had  swallowed  us  up  alive. 
When  their  wrath  was  kindled  against  us: 
Then  the  waters  had  overwhelmed  us, 
The  stream  had  gone  over  our  soul; 
Then  the  proud  waters  had  gone  over  our  soul. 
Blessed  be  Jehovah, 

Who  hath  not  given  us  as  a  prey  to  their  teeth. 
Our  soul  is  escaped  as  a  bird  out  of  the  snare  of  the  fowl- 
ers: 
The  snare  is  broken,  and  we  are  escaped. 
Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  Jehovah, 

Who  made  heaven  and  earth.  ^    ,     -^. 

Psalm  124 


Poetic  Writings  221 


O  Lord,  our  God,  who  hast  mercifully  numbered  us 
among  the  objects  of  Thy  redeeming  love.  Thou  art  our 
glory  and  our  joy,  our  hope  and  refuge  in  the  day  of  our 
distress.  But  our  love  is  yet  feeble,  and  our  holy  reso- 
lutions imperfect:  do  Thou,  therefore,  visit  us  continu- 
ally, and  instruct  us  out  of  Thy  law;  deliver  us  from 
malignant  passions  and  sensual  desires,  that,  being  healed 
and  purified,  we  may  love  with  more  ardor,  suffer  with 
more  patience,  and  persevere  with  more  constancy. — 
Amen. 

ThoTnas  a  Kempis  (1379-14.71); 


115 

Cftep  are  30  90aunt  ^ion 

EY  that  trust  in  Jehovah 


St! 


»^Are  as  mount  Zion,  which  cannot  be  moved,  but  abid- 
eth  for  ever. 
As  the  mountains  are  round  about  Jerusalem, 
So  Jehovah  is  round  about  his  people 
From  this  time  forth  and  for  evermore. 
For  the  sceptre  of  wickedness  shall  not  rest  upon  the  lot 

of  the  righteous; 
That    the    righteous    put   not    forth   their    hands    unto 

iniquity. 
Do  good,  O  Jehovah,  unto  those  that  are  good. 
And  to  them  that  are  upright  in  their  hearts. 
But  as  for  such  as  turn  aside  unto  their  crooked  ways, 
Jehovah  will  lead  them  forth  with  the  workers  of  iniquity. 
Peace  be  upon  Israel.  p    ,      -^^ 


222  Morning  Readings 

In  Thee,  O  Lord  God,  we  place  our  whole  hope  and 
refuge;  on  Thee  we  rest  all  our  tribulation  and  anguish; 
for  we  find  all  to  be  weak  and  inconstant,  whatsoever  we 
behold  out  of  Thee.  For  many  friends  cannot  profit, 
nor  strong  helpers  assist,  nor  the  books  of  the  learned 
afford  comfort,  nor  any  place  give  shelter,  unless  Thou 
Thyself  dost  assist,  strengthen,  console,  instruct,  and 
guard  us.  For  all  things  that  seem  to  belong  to  the 
attainment  of  peace  and  felicity  without  Thee,  are  noth- 
ing, and  do  bring  in  truth  no  felicity  at  all.  Thou  there- 
fore art  the  Fountain  of  all  that  is  good ;  and  to  hope  in 
Thee  above  all  things  is  the  strongest  comfort  of  Thy 
servants.  To  Thee,  therefore,  do  we  lift  up  our  eyes; 
in  Thee,  our  God,  the  Father  of  mercies,  do  we  put  our 
trust. — ^Amen. 

Thomas  a  Kempis  (1379-1471) 

116 

15le00in00  of  tfte  iai0j)teou0 


w 


>LESSED  is  every  one  that  feareth  Jehovah, 

That  walketh  in  his  ways. 
For  thou  shalt  eat  the  labor  of  thy  hands : 
Happy  shalt  thou  be,  and  it  shall  be  well  with  thee. 
Thy  wife  shall  be  as  a  fruitful  vine. 
In  the  innermost  parts  of  thy  house; 
Thy  children  like  olive  plants, 
Round  about  thy  table. 
Behold,  thus  shall  the  man  be  blessed 
That  feareth  Jehovah. 


Poetic  Writings  223 


Jehovah  bless  thee  out  of  Zion: 

And  see  thou  the  good  of  Jerusalem  all  the  days  of  thy 

life. 
Yea,  see  thou  thy  children's  children. 
Peace  be  upon  Israel. 

Psalm  128 

Confer  upon  us,  O  thou  Almighty  Spirit,  the  spirit  of 
truth,  the  love  of  what  is,  the  joy  of  thy  commandments, 
the  beauty  of  thy  love,  and  let  us  in  our  daily  lives,  with 
simplicity  of  heart  and  purity  of  thought,  seek  to  know 
thee,  to  know  our  own  being,  our  inmost  purpose,  and 
may  our  thoughts  and  our  purpose  be  alike  consecrated 
to  thee. 

Let  thy  blessing  be  in  every  heart  of  man ;  let  it  be  in 
every  human  dwelling,  resting  down  in  holy  peace  upon 
little  children,  upon  youth,  upon  mature  age  and  man- 
hood, and  upon  the  aged  in  years,  and  let  all  thy  chil- 
dren be  blessed  in  thee,  their  Father  in  heaven. — Amen. 

Horatio  Stebbins  (1864-1902) 

117 

2Dut  of  tfte  Dept!)0 

ll^UT  of  the  depths  have  I  cried  unto  thee,  0  Jehovah. 

^^^Lord,  hear  my  voice: 

Let  thine  ears  be  attentive 

To  the  voice  of  my  supplications. 

If  thou,  Jehovah,  shouldest  mark  iniquities, 

0  Lord,  who  could  stand.'' 


^24  Mommg  Readings 

But  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee, 

That  thou  mayest  be  feared. 

I  wait  for  Jehovah,  my  soul  doth  wait. 

And  in  his  word  do  I  hope. 

My  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord 

More  than  watchmen  wait  for  the  morning; 

Yea,  more  than  watchmen  for  the  morning. 

O  Israel,  hope  in  Jehovah; 

For  with  Jehovah  there  is  lovingkindness, 

And  with  him  is  plenteous  redemption. 

And  he  will  redeem  Israel 

From  all  his  iniquities. 

Fsalm  130 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  we  have  erred 
and  strayed  from  Thy  ways  like  lost  sheep.  We  have 
followed  too  much  the  devices  and  desires  of  our  own 
hearts.  We  have  offended  against  Thy  holy  laws.  We 
have  left  undone  those  things  which  we  ought  to  have 
done;  and  we  have  done  those  things  which  we  ought 
not  to  have  done.  But  Thou,  O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon 
us,  miserable  offenders.  Spare  Thou  those,  O  God,  who 
confess  their  faults.  Restore  Thou  those  who  are  peni- 
tent; according  to  Thy  promises  declared  unto  mankind, 
and  grant,  O  most  merciful  Father,  that  we  may  here- 
after live  a  godly,  righteous,  and  sober  life,  to  the  glory 
of  Thy  holy  name. — ^Amen. 

Episcopal  Service  Booh 


Poetic  Writings  225 


118 

In  tfte  Dap  Cftat  3  CalleD  Cftau  anstoeteDst 

J£  WILL  give  thee  thanks  with  my  whole  heart: 

^  Before  the  gods  will  I  sing  praises  unto  thee. 

I  will  worship  toward  thy  holy  temple, 

And  give  thanks  unto  thy  name  for  thy  lovingkindness 
and  for  thy  truth: 

For  thou  hast  magnified  thy  word  above  all  thy  name. 

In  the  day  that  I  called  thou  answeredst  me, 

T^ou  didst  encourage  me  with  strength  in  my  soul. 

All  the  kings  of  the  earth  shall  give  thee  thanks,  O  Je- 
hovah, 

For  they  have  heard  the  words  of  thy  mouth. 

Yea,  they  shall  sing  of  the  ways  of  Jehovah; 

For  great  is  the  glory  of  Jehovah. 

For  though  Jehovah  is  high,  yet  hath  he  respect  unto 
the  lowly; 

But  the  haughty  he  knoweth  from  afar. 

Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou  wilt  re- 
vive me; 

Thou  wilt  stretch  forth  thy  hand  against  the  wrath  of 
mine  enemies. 

And  thy  right  hand  will  save  me. 

Jehovah  will  perfect  that  which  concemeth  me: 

Thy  lovingkindness,  O  Jehovah,  endureth  for  ever; 

Forsake  not  the  works  of  thine  own  hands. 

Psalm  138 


£26  Morning  Readings 

O  Thou  who  art  Love,  and  who  seest  all  the  suffering, 
injustice  and  misery  which  reign  in  this  world,  have  pity, 
we  implore  Thee,  on  the  work  of  Thy  hands.  Look 
mercifully  upon  the  poor,  the  oppressed,  and  all  who  are 
heavy  laden  with  error,  labor,  and  sorrow.  Fill  our 
hearts  with  deep  compassion  for  those  who  suffer,  and 
hasten  the  coming  of  Thy  kingdom  of  justice  and  truth. 
— ^Amen. 

Eugene  Bersier  (1831-1889) 

119 

^f\  JEHOVAH,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known  jne, 

^^  Thou  knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  uprising; 

Thou  understandest  my  thought  afar  off. 

Thou  searchest  out  my  path  and  my  lying  down, 

And  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways. 

For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue. 

But,  lo,  O  Jehovah,  thou  knowest  it  altogether. 

Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before, 

And  laid  thy  hand  upon  me. 

Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  me; 

It  is  high,  I  cannot  attain  unto  it. 

Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit? 

Or  whither  shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence? 

If  I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there: 

If  I  make  my  bed  in  Sheol,  behold,  thou  art  there. 

If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning, 

And  dwell  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sda ; 


Poetic  Writmgs  22*^ 


Even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me, 

And  thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me. 

If  I  say,  Surely  the  darkness  shall  overwhelm  me, 

And  the  light  about  me  shall  be  night ; 

Even  the  darkness  hideth  not  from  thee, 

But  the  night  shineth  as  the  day: 

The  darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike  to  thee, 

I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee ;  for  I  am  fearfully  and  won- 
derfully made: 

Wonderful  are  thy  works; 

And  that  my  soul  knoweth  right  well. 

How  precious  also  are  thy  thoughts  unto  me,  O  God! 

How  great  is  the  sum  of  them! 

If  I  should  count  them,  they  are  more  in  number  than 
the  sand: 

When  I  awake,  I  am  still  with  thee. 

Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart: 

Try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts ; 

And  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me. 

And  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 

Fsalm  139:1-12,  14,  17,  18,  23,  M 

Almighty  God,  be  with  thy  people  as  thou  hast  been 
from  of  old.  Let  thy  goodness  be  according  to  our 
wants,  our  ignorance,  our  weakness,  frailty  and  sin. 
Thou  knowest  us  altogether,  and  it  is  well  for  us  that 
thou  shouldst  know  us  fully.  May  we  by  thy  spirit  be 
able  to  say  with  the  sincerity  and  simplicity  of  a  child- 
like heart,  "Search  me  and  know  me,  and  see  if  there  be 
any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlast- 

^"S"  Horatio  Stehhvns  (1864-1902) 


228  Morning  Readings 

120 

3  mm  (Bnol  Cftee,  9@p  (Sod,  ©  JKing 

3  WILL  extol  thee,  my  God,  O  King; 
And  I  will  bless  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 
Every  day  will  I  bless  thee; 
And  I  will  praise  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 
Great  is  Jehovah,  and  greatly  to  be  praised; 
And  his  greatness  is  unsearchable. 
One  generation  shall  laud  thy  works  to  another, 
And  shall  declare  thy  mighty  acts. 
Jehovah  is  gracious,  and  merciful ; 
Slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  lovingkindness. 
Jehovah  is  good  to  all ; 

And  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his  works. 
All  thy  works  shall  give  thanks  unto  thee,  0  Jehovah; 
And  thy  saints  shall  bless  thee. 
Thy  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom. 
And  thy  dominion  endwreth  throughout  all  generations. 
Jehovah  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways, 
And  gracious  in  all  his  works. 

Jehovah  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  him, 
To  all  that  call  upon  him  in  truth. 
He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that  fear  him; 
He  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and  will  save  them. 
Jehovah  preserveth  all  them  that  love  him; 
But  all  the  wicked  will  he  destroy. 
My  mouth  shall  speak  the  praise  of  Jehovah; 
And  let  all  flesh  bless  his  holy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 
Psalm  145:1-4,  8-10,  13,  17-21 


Poetic  Writi/ngs  S29 


O  God!  from  whom  all  blessings  descend,  whom  the 
storm  and  the  thunder  obey,  preserve  us  from  error; 
deign  to  inform  our  minds ;  attach  us  to  that  eternal  rea- 
son by  which  Thou  art  guided  and  supported  in  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  world;  that  being  ourselves  honored  we 
may  also  honor  Thee,  as  becomes  feeble  and  mortal  be- 
ings, by  celebrating  Thy  works  in  an  uninterrupted 
hymn;  for  neither  the  inhabitant  of  earth,  nor  the  in- 
habitant of  heaven  can  be  engaged  in  a  service  more 
noble  than  that  of  celebrating  the  divine  mind  which  pre- 
sides over  Nature. — ^Amen. 

Hymn  of  Cleanthes  (about  210  B.  C.) 

^appg  M  l^e  Cftat  ^ati)  tfte  ©oD  of  3faco6 

^J|li[HILE  I  live  will  I  praise  Jehovah: 

^^^"^^I  will  sing  praises  unto  my  God  while  I  have  any 

being. 
Happy  is  he  that  hath  the  God  of  Jacob  for  his  help, 
Whose  hope  is  in  Jehovah  his  God: 
Who  made  heaven  and  earth. 
The  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is; 
Who  keepeth  truth  for  ever; 
Who  executeth  justice  for  the  oppressed; 
Who  giveth  food  to  the  hungry. 
Jehovah  looseth  the  prisoners ; 
Jehovah  openeth  the  eyes  of  the  blind; 
Jehovah  raiseth  up  them  that  are  bowed  down; 
Jehovah  loveth  the  righteous; 


230  Mornmg  Readings 

Jehovah  preserveth  the  sojourners; 

He  upholdeth  the  fatherless  and  widow; 

But  the  way  of  the  wicked  he  tumeth  upside  down, 

Jehovah  will  reign  for  ever. 

Thy  God,  0  Zion,  unto  all  generations. 

Praise  ye  Jehovah. 

PsflZm  146:2,  5-10 

O  King  of  Peace,  give  us  Thy  peace;  keep  us  in  love 
and  charity;  be  our  God,  for  we  know  none  beside  Thee; 
we  call  upon  Thy  name;  grant  unto  our  souls  the  life  of 
righteousness,  that  the  death  of  sin  may  not  prevail 
against  us,  or  any  of  Thy  people.  .  .  .  Relieve  those  who 
are  in  the  prisons  or  in  the  mines,  under  accusations  or 
condemnations,  in  exile  or  in  slavery,  or  loaded  with 
grievous  tribute ;  deliver  them  all,  for  Thou  art  our  God, 
who  loosest  those  that  are  in  bonds,  and  raisest  those 
that  are  oppressed;  the  hope  of  the  hopeless,  the  helper 
of  the  helpless,  the  lifter  up  of  those  who  are  fallen,  the 
haven  of  those  who  are  shipwrecked,  the  avenger  of  those 
who  are  injured.  .  .  .  And,  O  Lord,  Thou  physician  of 
the  soul  and  body,  heal  all  our  infirmities  both  of  soul 
and  bodies:  O  Thou,  who  art  the  overseer  of  all  flesh, 
watch  over  us  and  heal  us  by  Thy  saving  health. — Amen. 

Alewandrian  Liturgy 


V 


122 

3Ie!)ot)aft  ©itietj)  mi0Dom 

/r|fl[Y  son,  if  thou  wilt  receive  my  words, 
^^'And  lay  up  my  commandments  with  thee; 
So  as  to  incline  thine  ear  unto  wisdom. 
And  apply  thy  heart  to  understanding; 
Yea,  if  thou  cry  after  discernment, 
And  lift  up  thy  voice  for  understanding; 
If  thou  seek  her  as  silver, 
And  search  for  her  as  for  hid  treasures : 
Then  shalt  thou  understand  the  fear  of  Jehovah, 
And  find  the  knowledge  of  God. 
For  Jehovah  giveth  wisdom; 

Out  of  his  mouth  cometh  knowledge  and  understanding: 
He  layeth  up  sound  wisdom  for  the  upright; 
He  is  a  shield  to  them  that  walk  in  integrity; 
That  he  may  guard  the  paths  of  justice, 
And  preserve  the  way  of  his  saints. 
Then  shalt  thou  understand  righteousness  and  justice, 
And  equity,  2/ea,  every  good  path. 

Proverbs  2:1-9 

Blessed  God,  who  hath  caused  all  good  books  for  our 
learning,  as  Thou  givest  all  good  thoughts  for  our  think- 
ing, grant  us  not  to  misuse  any  gift  of  Thy  wisdom  or 
of  Thy  breath.     So  let  us  read  all  holy  books  carefully, 

233 


234  Morning  Readings 


and  listen  to  wise  teachings  modestly,  and  meditate  on 
good  sayings  profitably,  and  let  no  pride  or  bodily  humor 
harden  our  hearts ;  but  above  all,  by  the  true  presence  of 
Thy  holy  breath,  and  by  Thy  constant  blessing  on  all 
our  words  and  works,  lead  us  into  Thy  truth,  and  give 
us  Thy  peace,  which  the  world  cannot  give. — Amen. 
Rowlamd  WUliams  (1817-1870) 

123 

Cfte  lvalue  of  mi0Dom 

/fjVY  son,  forget  not  my  law; 
^^l-But  let  thy  heart  keep  my  commandments: 
For  length  of  days,  and  years  of  life, 
And  peace,  will  they  add  to  thee. 
Let  not  kindness  and  truth  forsake  thee: 
Bind  them  about  thy  neck; 
Write  them  upon  the  tablet  of  thy  heart: 
So  shalt  thou  find  favor  and  ^ood  understanding 
In  the  sight  of  God  and  man. 
Trust  in  Jehovah  with  all  thy  heart, 
And  lean  not  upon  thine  own  understanding: 
In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him, 
And  he  will  direct  thy  paths. 
Be  not  wise  in  thine  own  eyes; 
Fear  Jehovah,  and  depart  from  evil: 
Happy  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom. 
And  the  man  that  getteth  understanding. 
For  the  gaining  of  it  is  better  than  the  gaining  of  silver, 
And  the  profit  thereof  than  fine  gold. 


Proverbs  235 


She  is  more  precious  than  rubies: 

And  none  of  the  things  thou  canst  desire  are  to  be  com- 
pared unto  her. 
Length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand; 
In  her  left  hand  are  riches  and  honor. 
Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 
And  all  her  paths  are  peace. 

She  is  a  tree  of  life  to  them  that  lay  hold  upon  her: 
And  happy  is  every  one  that  retaineth  her. 

Proverbs  3:1-7,  13-18 

Almighty  God,  in  whose  hands  are  all  the  powers  of 
man ;  who  givest  understanding,  and  takest  it  away ;  who, 
as  it  seemeth  good  unto  Thee,  enlightenest  the  thoughts 
of  the  simple,  and  darkenest  the  meditations  of  the  wise, 
be  present  with  us  in  our  studies  and  inquiries.  Grant, 
O  Lord,  that  we  may  not  lavish  away  the  life  which  Thou 
hast  given  us  on  useless  trifles,  nor  waste  it  in  vain 
searches  after  things  which  Thou  hast  hidden  from  us. 

Enable  us,  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  so  to  shun  sloth  and 
negligence,  that  every  day  may  discharge  part  of  the 
task  which  Thou  hast  allotted  us;  and  so  further  with 
Thy  help  that  labor  which,  without  Thy  help,  must  be 
ineffectual,  that  we  may  obtain,  in  all  our  undertakings, 
such  success  as  will  most  promote  Thy  glory,  and  the 
salvation  of  our  own  souls. — Amen. 

Samuel  Johnson  (1709-1784) 


236  Mornmg  Readings 

Dotft  i]5ot  caJi0aom  Crp? 

^9||%0TH  not  wisdom  cry, 
^^And  understanding  put  forth  her  voice? 
On  the  top  of  high  places  by  the  way, 
Where  the  paths  meet,  she  standeth; 
Beside  the  gates,  at  the  entry  of  the  city. 
At  the  coming  in  at  the  doors,  she  crieth  aloud: 
Unto  you,  O  men,  I  call; 
And  my  voice  is  to  the  sons  of  men. 
Hear,  for  I  will  speak  excellent  things ; 
And  the  opening  of  my  lips  shall  be  right  things. 
All  the  words  of  my  mouth  are  in  righteousness ; 
There  is  nothing  crooked  or  perverse  in  them. 
Receive  my  instruction,  and  not  silver ; 
And  knowledge  rather  than  choice  gold. 
For  wisdom  is  better  than  rubies; 

And  all  the  things  that  may  be  desired  are  not  to  be  com- 
pared unto  it. 
I  wisdom  have  made  prudence  my  dwelling, 
And  find  out  knowledge  and  discretion. 
By  me  princes  rule, 

And  nobles,  even  all  the  judges  of  the  earth. 
I  love  them  that  love  me; 

And  those  that  seek  me  diligently  shall  find  me. 
Riches  and  honor  are  with  me; 
Yea,  durable  wealth  and  righteousness. 
My  fruit  is  better  than  gold,  yea,  than  fine  gold ; 
And  my  revenue  than  choice  silver. 


Proverbs  237 


I  walk  in  the  way  of  righteousness, 

In  the  midst  of  the  paths  of  justice: 

Hear  instruction,  and  be  wise, 

And  refuse  it  not. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me, 

Watching  daily  at  my  gates. 

Waiting  at  the  posts  of  my  doors. 

For  whoso  findeth  me  findeth  life. 

And  shall  obtain  favor  of  Jehovah. 

But  he  that  sinneth  against  me  wrongeth  his  own  soul: 

All  they  that  hate  me  love  death. 

Proverbs  8:1-4,  6,  8,  10-12,  16-20,  33-36 

O  Thou,  the  Giver  of  good  and  beautiful  gifts,  we 
bring  glad  thanks  for  all  great  and  noble  teachers  and 
helpers  of  our  race;  for  every  lesson  of  wisdom,  justice, 
and  goodness  which  they  have  taught  us ;  for  the  light 
of  the  knowledge  of  thee,  growing  ever  brighter;  for  the 
gospel  of  human  brotherhood  and  for  the  hope  of  better 
days  to  come.  May  we  devote  ourselves  with  willing 
hearts  to  pass  on  the  light  of  truth  and  goodness  and 
to  make  the  world  better  and  happier. — Amen. 

From  a  Service  Book  by  (Dr.  Charles  F,  Dole 


125 

mistom's  Dtoelling 

MISDOM  hath  builded  her  house; 
She  hath  hewn  out  her  seven  pillars: 
She  hath  killed  her  beasts;  she  hath  mingled  her  wine; 


S38  Morning  Readings 

She  hath  also  furnished  her  table: 

She  hath  sent  forth  her  maidens; 

She  crieth  upon  the  highest  places  of  the  city: 

Whoso  is  simple,  let  him  turn  in  hither: 

As  for  him  that  is  void  of  understanding,  she  saith  to  him. 

Come,  eat  je  of  my  bread, 

And  drink  of  the  wine  which  I  have  mingled. 

Leave  off,  ye  simple  ones,  and  live; 

And  walk  in  the  way  of  understanding. 

He  that  correcteth  a  scoffer  getteth  to  himself  reviling; 
And  he  that  reproveth  a  wicked  man  getteth  himself  a 

blot. 
Reprove  not  a  scoffer,  lest  he  hate  thee : 
Reprove  a  wise  man,  and  he  will  love  thee. 
Give  instruction  to  a  wise  man,  and  he  will  be  yet  wiser: 
Teach  a  righteous  man,  and  he  will  increase  in  learning. 
The  fear  of  Jehovah  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom ; 
And  the  knowledge  of  the  Holy  One  is  understanding. 
For  by  me  thy  days  shall  be  multiplied, 
And  the  years  of  thy  life  shall  be  increased. 

Proverbs  9:1-11 

O  Fount  of  wisdom!  Light  of  lights!  Who  knowest 
every  instant  more  than  we  could  learn  in  everlasting 
years !  may  every  opening  of  truth  be  to  us  as  a  glimpse 
of  Thee.  Yet  let  not  our  deep  ignorance  be  as  the  hid- 
ing of  Thy  face,  but  only  as  a  call  to  trust  Thee,  that 
Thou  wilt  lead  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they  knew  not. 
Whatever  else  thou  mayest  withhold  from  us,  O  give  us 
purity  of  heart  to  see  Jhee,  and  to  trace  Thy  word 


Proverbs  239 


within  our  spirits,  and  follow  Thy  footsteps  though  they 
lose  us  in  the  mighty  deep. — Amen. 

James  Martmeau  (1805-1900) 

126 

a  page  of  Contrast0 

/W  FALSE  balance  is  an  abomination  to  Jehovah; 

^^  But  a  just  weight  is  his  delight. 

When  pride  cometh,  then  cometh  shame ; 

But  with  the  lowly  is  wisdom. 

The  integrity  of  the  upright  shall  guide  them ; 

But  the  perverseness  of  the  treacherous  shall  destroy 
them. 

Riches  profit  not  in  the  day  of  wrath; 

But  righteousness  delivereth  from  death. 

The  righteousness   of  the  perfect  shall  direct  his  way; 

But  the  wicked  shall  fall  by  his  own  wickedness. 

The  righteousness  of  the  upright  shall  deliver  them; 

But  the  treacherous  shall  be  taken  in  their  own  iniquity. 

When  a  wicked  man  dieth,  his  expectation  shaU  perish ; 

And  the  hope  of  iniquity  perisheth. 

The  righteous  is  delivered  out  of  trouble; 

And  the  wicked  cometh  in  his  stead. 

With  his  mouth  the  godless  man  destroyeth  his  neigh- 
bor; 

But  through  knowledge  shall  the  righteous  be  delivered. 

When  it  goeth  well  with  the  righteous,  the  city  rejoiceth; 

And  when  the  wicked  perish,  there  is  shouting. 

By  the  blessing  of  the  upright  the  city  is  exalted ; 


S40  Morning  Readings 


But  it  is  overthrown  by  the  mouth  of  the  wicked. 

He  that  despiseth  his  neighbor  is  void  of  wisdom; 

But  a  man  of  understanding  holdeth  his  peace. 

He  that  goeth  about  as  a  tale-bearer  revealeth  secrets; 

But  he  that  is  of  a  faithful  spirit  concealeth  a  matter. 

Where  no  wise  guidance  is,  the  people  falleth; 

But  in  the  multitude  of  counsellors  there  is  safety. 

Proverbs  11:1-14 

Grant  us,  we  beseech  Thee,  almighty  and  most  merci- 
ful God,  fervently  to  desire,  wisely  to  search  out,  and  per- 
fectly to  fulfil,  all  that  is  well-pleasing  unto  Thee.  Order 
Thou  our  worldly  condition  to  the  glory  of  Thy  name; 
and,  of  all  that  Thou  requirest  us  to  do,  grant  us  the 
knowledge,  the  desire  and  the  ability,  that  we  may  so  ful- 
fil it  as  we  ought,  and  may  our  path  to  Thee,  we  pray, 
be  safe,  straightforward,  and  perfect  to  the  end. 

Give  us,  0  Lord,  steadfast  hearts,  which  no  unworthy 
affection  may  drag  downwards ;  give  us  unconquered 
hearts  which  no  tribulation  can  wear  out;  give  us  up- 
right hearts,  which  no  unworthy  purpose  may  tempt 
aside. 

Bestow  upon  us  also,  O  Lord,  understanding  to  know 
Thee,  diligence  to  seek  Thee,  wisdom  to  find  Thee,  and  a 
faithfulness  that  may  finally  embrace  Thee. — Amen. 
St,  Thomas  Aquinas  (1225-1274) 


Proverbs  241 


127 

©undrg  protier60 

/^C  GOOD  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riches, 

*^^  And  loving  favor  rather  than  silver  and  gold. 

The  rich  and  the  poor  meet  together: 

Jehovah  is  the  maker  of  them  all. 

A  prudent  man  seeth  the  evil,  and  hideth  himself; 

But  the  simple  pass  on,  and  suffer  for  it. 

The  reward  of  humility  and  the  fear  of  Jehovali 

Is  riches,  and  honor,  and  life. 

Thorns  and  snares  are  in  the  way  of  the  perverse: 

He  that  keepeth  his  soul  shall  be  far  from  them. 

Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go. 

And  even  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it. 

Proverbs  22:1-6 

Almighty  God,  grant  that  by  the  faithful  practice  of 
the  things  that  we  know  to  be  true,  our  hearts  may  be 
purged  of  all  evil  thoughts  and  desires,  and  we  be 
brought  back  again  to  something  of  the  pureness  of 
spirit  by  which  alone  Thou  mayest  be  served.  Forgive 
all  our  wanderings  from  the  light.  Grant  that  we  may 
escape  this  great  condemnation — that  light  having  come 
into  the  world,  we  have  chosen  darkness  rather  than  light. 
Show  us  the  light,  and  cause  us  to  live  in  it,  and  by  it  to 
pass  through  the  shadow  of  death  with  safety,  and  to 
abide  with  it  forevermore. — Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


242  Morning  Readings 

128 

©uttDrg  Prober  6» 

fff  SOFT  answer  tumeth  away  wrath; 

^"^  But  a  grievous  word  stirreth  up  anger. 

The  tongue  of  the  wise  uttereth  knowledge  aright; 

But  the  mouth  of  fools  poureth  out  folly. 

.The  eyes  of  Jehovah  are  in  every  place, 

Keeping  watch  upon  the  evil  and  the  good. 

A  gentle  tongue  is  a  tree  of  life; 

But  perverseness  therein  is  a  breaking  of  the  spirit. 

A  fool  despiseth  his  father's  correction ; 

But  he  that  regardeth  reproof  getteth  prudence. 

In  the  house  of  the  righteous  is  much  treasure; 

But  in  the  revenues  of  the  wicked  is  trouble. 

The  lips  of  the  wise  disperse  knowledge; 

But  the  heart  of  the  foolish  doeth  not  so. 

The  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomination  to  Jehovah ; 

But  the  prayer  of  the  upright  is  his  delight. 

The  way  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomination  to  Jehovah; 

But  he  loveth  him  that  followeth  after  righteousness. 

There  is  grievous  correction  for  him  that  forsaketh  the 

way; 
And  he  that  hateth  reproof  shall  die. 
Sheol  and  Abaddon  are  before  Jehovah; 
How  much  more  then  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men! 
A  scoffer  loveth  not  to  be  reproved; 
He  will  not  go  unto  the  wise. 
A  glad  heart  maketh  a  cheerful  countenance; 
But  by  sorrow  of  heart  the  spirit  is  broken. 


Proverbs  243 


The  heart  of  him  that  hath  understanding  seeketh  knowl- 
edge; 
But  the  mouth  of  fools  feedeth  on  folly. 
All  the  days  of  the  afflicted  are  evil; 

But  he  that  is  of  a  cheerful  heart  hath  a  continual  feast. 
Better  is  little,  with  the  fear  of  Jehovah, 
Than  great  treasure  and  trouble  therewith. 

Proverbs  15:1-16 

Hear  our  prayer,  0  Lord,  and  consider  our  desires* 
Give  unto  us  true  humility,  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  a 
loving  and  a  friendly,  a  holy  and  a  useful  manner  of 
life ;  bearing  the  burdens  of  our  neighbors,  denying  our- 
selves, and  studying  to  benefit  others,  and  to  please  Thee 
in  all  things.  Grant  us  to  be  righteous  in  performing 
promises,  loving  to  our  relatives,  careful  of  our  charges ; 
to  be  gentle  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  slow  to  anger,  and 
readily  prepared  for  every  good  work. — ^Amen. 

Jeremi/  Tat/lor  (1613-1667) 

129 

Description  of  a  mottbv  ^oman 

/gr  WORTHY  woman  who  can  find? 
^^  For  her  price  is  far  above  rubies. 
The  heart  of  her  husband  trusteth  in  her, 
And  he  shall  have  no  lack  of  gain. 
She  doeth  him  good  and  not  evil 
All  the  days  of  her  life. 
She  seeketh  wool  and  flax, 


244«  Morning  Readings 

And  worketh  willingly  with  her  hands. 

She  is  like  the  merchant-ships; 

She  bringeth  her  bread  from  afar. 

She  riseth  also  while  it  is   yet  night. 

And  giveth  food  to  her  household. 

And  their  task  to  her  maidens. 

She  considereth  a  field,  and  buyeth  it ; 

With  the  fruit  of  her  hands  she  planteth  a  vineyard. 

She  girdeth  her  loins  with  strength. 

And  maketh  strong  her  arms. 

She  perceiveth  that  her  merchandise  is  profitable; 

Her  lamp  goeth  not  out  by  night. 

She  layeth  her  hands  to  the  distaff, 

And  her  hands  hold  the  spindle. 

She  stretcheth  out  her  hand  to  the  poor ; 

Yea,  she  reacheth  forth  her  hands  to  the  needy. 

She  is  not  afraid  of  the  snow  for  her  household; 

For  all  her  household  are  clothed  with  scarlet. 

She  maketh  for  herself  carpets  of  tapestry ; 

Her  clothing  is  fine  linen  and  purple. 

Her  husband  is  known  in  the  gates. 

When  he  sittetli  among  the  elders  of  the  land. 

She  maketh  linen  garments  and  selleth  them. 

And  delivereth  girdles  unto  the  merchant. 

Strength  and  dignity  are  her  clothing; 

And  she  laugheth  at  the  time  to  come. 

She  openeth  her  mouth  with  wisdom; 

And  the  law  of  kindness  is  on  her  tongue. 

She  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her  household. 

And  eateth  not  the  bread  of  idleness. 

Her  children  rise  up,  and  call  her  blessed ; 


Proverbs  M5 


Her  husband  also,  and  he  praiseth  her,  saying: 

Many  daughters  have  done  worthily, 

But  thou  excellest  them  all. 

Grace  is  deceitful,  and  beauty  is  vain; 

But  a  woman  that  feareth  Jehovah,  she  shall  be  praised. 

Give  her  of  the  fruit  of  her  hands ; 

And  let  her  works  praise  her  in  the  gates. 

Proverbs  31:10-31 

0  Lord,  we  thank  Thee  for  our  fathers  who  brought 
us  up,  who  have  gone  before  us  and  blessed  us  with  mani- 
fold kindness  and  tenderness;  and  we  bless  Thee  also 
for  the  mothers  who  bore  and  carefully  tended  us,  and 
watched  over  our  little  heads  and  trained  our  infantile 
feet  to  walk  in  the  ways  of  pleasantness  and  in  the  paths 
of  peace. 

We  thank  Thee  for  the  noble  nature  which  Thou  hast 
given  to  woman,  for  the  various  faculties  wherein  she 
differs  from  man,  for  her  transcendent  mind  which  an- 
ticipates his  slower  thought.  We  bless  Thee  for  her 
generous  instincts  of  morality,  of  lovingkindness  and 
tender  mercy,  and  that  deep  religious  power  of  intuition 
whereby  she  communes  with  Thy  spirit  face  to  face,  and 
knows  Thee  and  loves  Thee  with  an  exceeding  depth  of 
noble  heart.  We  thank  Thee  for  the  great  and  lustrous 
women  of  other  times  and  our  own  age,  who  spoke  as 
they  were  moved  by  thy  spirit,  or  who,  with  lives  more 
eloquent  than  speech,  ran  before  the  world's  great 
prophets  and  redeemers,  smoothing  the  pathway  which 
rougher  feet  were  yet  to  tread,  and  shedding  the  balsam 
of  their  benediction   on  the  air  which  mankind  was  to 


246  Morning  Readings 

breathe.  We  bless  Thee  for  the  noble  and  generous 
women  in  our  own  day,  engaged  in  various  callings  and 
lots  of  human  life.  We  thank  Thee  for  those  who  re- 
lieve the  sick,  who  recall  the  wandering  from  the  way  of 
wickedness,  who  smooth  the  pillow  of  suffering,  who  teach 
and  instruct  those  who  are  ignorant,  who  lift  up  such 
as  are  fallen  down,  and  overtake  the  aged  or  the  juve- 
nile wanderers  who  are  outcasts  from  the  world.  Father, 
we  bless  Thee  for  all  these  blessings,  which  Thou  givest 
to  the  world  in  this  portion  of  humanity. — Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 

130 

^fJfVY  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy  father,  and  for- 
jj^^^sake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother.  That  thou  mayest 
walk  in  the  way  of  good  men  and  keep  the  paths  of  the 
righteous. 

Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart,  and  lean  not 
unto  thine  own  understanding.  In  all  thy  ways  acknowl- 
edge him  and  he  shall  direct  thy  paths. 

Withhold  not  good  from  them  to  whom  it  is  due  when 
it  is  in  the  power  of  thine  hand  to  do  it.  Devise  not  evil 
against  thy  neighbor,  seeing  he  dwelleth  securely  by  thee. 
Strive  not  with  a  man  without  cause  if  he  have  done  thee 
no  harm.  A  man  that  hath  friends  must  show  himself 
friendly,  and  there  is  a  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than 
a  brother.  Thine  own  friend  and  thy  father's  friend 
forsake  not. 

Enter  not  into  the  path  of  the  wicked,  and  go  not  in 


Proverbs  24T 


the  way  of  evil  men.  Avoid  it ;  pass  not  by  it,  turn  from 
it,  and  pass  away.  If  sinners  entice  thee,  consent  thou 
not.  Walk  not  in  the  way  with  them;  refrain  thy  foot 
from  their  path. 

Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence  for  out  of  it  are  the 
issues  of  life.  He  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor  lendeth 
unto  the  Lord,  and  that  which  he  hath  given  will  he  pay 
him  again. 

Whoso  keepeth  his  mouth  and  his  tongue  keepeth  his 
soul  from  troubles.  Even  a  fool,  when  he  holdeth  his 
peace  is  counted  wise. 

A  merry  heart  doeth  good  like  a  medicine.  He  that 
hath  a  merry  heart  hath  a  continual  feast.  , 

He  that  getteth  wisdom  loveth  his  own  soul:  he  that 
keepeth  understanding  shall  find  good. 

Commit  thy  works  unto  the  Lord  and  thy  thoughts 
shall  be  established. 

Hear,  0  my  son,  and  receive  my  sayings ;  and  the  years 
of  thy  life  shall  be  many.  I  have  taught  thee  in  the  way 
of  wisdom;  I  have  led  thee  in  right  paths.  When  thou 
goest  thy  steps  shall  not  be  straitened,  and  when  thou 
runnest  thou  shalt  not  stumble.  Take  fast  hold  of  in- 
struction; let  her  not  go;  keep  her,  for  she  is  thy  life. 

Selected  Proverbs 

0  thou,  who  requirest  us  to  love  them  that  love  us, 
pour  out  thy  blessings,  great  and  manifold,  upon  all  our 
friends  and  benefactors ;  all  who  have  done  or  wish  us 
well,  many  perhaps  unknown  to  us;  preserve  them,  O 
Lord,  and  keep  them  alive,  that  they  may  be  blessed  upon 
earth,  and  deliver  them  not  into  the  will  of  their  enemies. 


248  Morning  Readings 

O  thou,  who  hast  declared  that  our  righteousness  must 
far  exceed  that  of  publicans  and  sinners,  grant  us  never 
to  be  wanting  in  kindness  and  civil  respects  to  all  who 
live  peaceably  and  quietly  in  our  neighborhood;  but  to 
be  cheerful  and  ready  in  making  suitable  returns  of  love 
to  all  that  love  us.  Our  own  friends,  and  our  fathers' 
friends,  and  the  children  of  both  our  friends,  let  us  never 
ungratefully  despise,  neglect  or  forsake. — Amen. 

Bishop  Lancelot  Andrewes  (1555-1626) 

131 

Cf)e  mi%t  anD  tfte  JFoDli06 

3NCLINE  thine  ear,  and  hear  the  words  of  the  wise, 
And  apply  thy  heart  unto  my  knowledge. 

For  it  is  a  pleasant  thing  if  thou  keep  them  within  thee. 

If  they  be  established  together  upon  thy  lips. 

The  way  of  a  fool  is  right  in  his  own  eyes ; 

But  he  that  is  wise  hearkeneth  unto  counsel. 

A  rebuke  entereth  deeper  into  one  that  hath  understand- 
ing 

Than  a  hundred  stripes  into  a  fool. 

Though  thou  shouldest  bray  a  fool  in  a  mortar  with  a 
pestle  along  with  bruised  grain. 

Yet  will  not  his  foolishness  depart  from  him. 

Walk  with  wise  men,  and  thou  shalt  be  wise; 

But  the  companion  of  fools  shall  smart  for  it. 

Counsel  in  the  heart  of  man  is  like  deep  water; 

But  a  man  of  understanding  will  draw  it  out. 

Selected  Proverbs 


Proverbs  249 


Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  the  giver  and  guide 
of  all  reason,  that  we  may  always  be  mindful  of  the  na- 
ture, of  the  dignity,  and  of  the  privileges  Thou  hast  hon- 
ored us  with,  that  we  may  act  in  all  things  as  becomes 
free  agents,  to  the  subduing  and  governing  of  our  pas- 
sions, to  the  refining  them  from  flesh  and  sense,  to  the 
rendering  them  subservient  to  excellent  purposes.  Grant 
us  also  Thy  favorable  assistance  in  the  forming  and  di- 
recting our  judgment,  and  enlighten  us  with  Thy  truth, 
that  we  may  discern  those  things  which  are  really  good, 
and  having  discovered  them,  may  love  and  cleave  stead- 
fastly to  the  same.  And,  finally,  disperse,  we  pray  Thee, 
those  mists  which  darken  the  eyes  of  our  minds,  that  so 
we  may  have  a  perfect  understanding,  and  know  both 
God  and  man,  and  what  to  each  is  due. — Amen. 

Simplicius  (5th  Century) 


Cteatment  of  tfte  poor  anD  tfte  ageD 

^|KHE  glory  of  young  men  is  their  strength: 
^^And  the  beauty  of  old  men  is  the  gray  head. 
The  hoary  head  is  a  crown  of  glory 
If  it  be  found  in  the  way  of  righteousness. 
Children's  children  are  the  crown  of  old  men: 
And  the  glory  of  children  are  their  fathers. 

There  is  a  generation  that  curse  their  father, 

And  bless  not  their  mother. 

There  is  a  generation  that  are  pure  in  their  own  eyeS| 


250  Morning  Readings 

And  yet  are  not  washed  from  their  filthiness. 
There  is  a  generation,  oh  how  lofty  are  their  eyes  I 
And  their  eyelids  are  lifted  up. 
There  is  a  generation  whose  teeth  are  as  swords, 
And  their  jaw  teeth  as  knives, 
To  devour  the  poor  from  off  the  earth, 
And  the  needy  from  among  men. 
Whoso  curseth  his  father  or  his  mother, 
His  lamp  shall  be  put  out  in  blackness  of  darkness. 
He  that  soweth  iniquity  shall  reap  calamity; 
And  the  rod  of  his  wrath  shall  fail. 
Rob  not  the  poor,  Ijecause  he  is  poor; 
Neither  oppress  the  afflicted  in  the  gate: 
For  Jehovah  will  plead  their  cause, 
And  despoil  of  life  those  that  despoil  them. 
He  that  hath  a  bountiful  eye  shall  be  blessed; 
For  he  giveth  of  his  bread  to  the  poor. 
Even  a  child  maketh  himself  known  by  his  doings. 
Whether  his  work  be  pure,  and  whether  it  be  right. 

Selected  Proverbs 

Pour  into  our  hearts  the  spirit  of  unselfishness,  so  that, 
when  our  cup  overflows,  we  may  seek  to  share  our  hap- 
piness with  our  brethren.  O  Thou  God  of  love,  who 
makest  Thy  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and 
sendest  rain  on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust,  grant  that 
we  may  become  more  and  more  Thy  true  children,  by 
receiving  into  our  souls  more  of  thine  own  spirit  of  un- 
grudging and  unwearying  kindness. — ^Amen. 

Hwnter*s  Devotional  Services  (1895) 


Proverbs  251 


133 

Creatment  of  OEnemieg 

MHEN  a  man's  ways  please  the  Lord  he  maketh  even 
his  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  him. 

Rejoice  not  when  thine  enemy  falleth,  and  let  not  thine 
heart  be  glad  when  he  stumbleth.  Lest  the  Lord  see  it 
and  it  displease  him,  and  he  turn  away  his  wrath  from 
him. 

Fret  not  thyself  because  of  evil  doers,  neither  be  thou 
envious  at  the  wicked,  for  there  shall  be  no  reward  to  the 
evil  man,  and  the  candle  of  the  wicked  shall  be  put  out. 

Say  not,  I  will  do  so  to  him  as  he  hath  done  to  me: 
I  will  render  to  the  man  according  to  his  work.  Say  not, 
I  will  recompense  evil,  but  wait  on  the  Lord  and  he  shall 
save  thee. 

If  thine  enemy  be  hungry,  give  him  bread  to  eat ;  if  he 
be  thirsty,  give  him  water  to  drink:  for  thou  shalt  heap 
coals  of  fire  upon  his  head,  and  the  Lord  shall  reward 
thee. 

He  that  followeth  after  righteousness  and  mercy  find- 
eth  life,  righteousness  and  honor.  The  fruit  of  the 
righteous  is  a  tree  of  life;  and  he  that  winneth  souls  is 
wise. 

Selected  Proverbs 

O  our  God!  guard  our  tongues  from  evil  and  our  lips 
from  speaking  guile ;  and  to  such  as  curse  us  let  our  soul 
be  dumb,  yea,  let  our  soul  be  unto  all  as  the  dust.  Open 
our  hearts  to  the  Law,  and  let  our  souls  pursue  thy  com- 


252  Morning  Readings 

mandments.  If  any  design  evil  against  us,  speedily 
make  their  counsel  of  none  effect,  and  frustrate  their  de- 
signs. In  order  that  thy  beloved  ones  may  be  delivered, 
O  save  wdth  thy  right  hand,  and  answer  us.  Let  the 
words  of  my  mouth  and  the  meditation  of  my  heart  be 
acceptable  before  Thee,  0  Lord,  my  Rock,  and  my  Re- 
deemer.— ^Amen. 

Frayer  of  Mar.     From  the  Talmud  (100-500  A.  D.) 

Cfte  ©lotftful 

3  WENT  by  the  field  of  the  slothful  and  by  the  vine- 
yard of  the  man  void  of  understanding;  and  lo,  it 
was  all  grown  over  with  thorns,  and  nettles  covered  the 
face  thereof,  and  the  stone  wall  thereof  was  broken  down. 
Then  I  saw  and  considered  it  well:  I  looked  upon  it  and 
received  instruction.  Yet  a  little  sleep,  a  little  slum- 
ber, a  little  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep:  so  shall  thy 
poverty  come  as  one  that  travelleth;  and  thy  want  as  an 
armed  man. 

Love  not  sleep,  lest  thou  come  to  poverty:  open  thine 
eyes  and  thou  shalt  be  satisfied  with  bread. 

Seest  thou  a  man  diligent  in  his  business  ?  he  shall  stand 
before  kings;  he  shall  not  stand  before  mean  men. 

He  that  is  slothful  in  his  works  is  brother  to  him 
that  is  a  great  waster. 

Go  to  the  ant  thou  sluggard;  consider  her  ways,  and 
be  wise:  Which  having  no  guide,  overseer  or  ruler,  pro- 


Proverbs  253 


videth  her  meat  in  summer,  and  gathereth  her  food  in  the 
harvest. 

How  long  wilt  thou  sleep,  0  sluggard?  When  wilt 
thou  arise  out  of  thy  sleep?  Yet  a  little  sleep,  a  little 
slumber,  a  little  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep.  So  shall 
thy  poverty  come  as  one  that  travelleth  and  thy  want  as 
an  armed  man. 

Selected  Proverbs 

Give  Thy  blessing,  we  pray  Thee,  to  this  our  daily 
work,  that  we  may  do  it  in  faith  and  heartily  as  to  the 
Lord,  and  not  unto  men.  All  our  powers  of  body  and 
mind  are  thine,  and  we  would  fain  devote  them  to  thy 
service.  Sanctify  them  and  the  work  in  which  they  are 
engaged;  let  us  not  be  slothful,  but  fervent  in  spirit, 
and  do  Thou,  O  Lord,  so  bless  our  efforts,  that  they  may 
bring  forth  in  us  the  fruits  of  true  wisdom.  Strengthen 
the  faculties  of  our  minds,  and  dispose  us  to  exert  them, 
but  let  us  always  remember  to  exert  them  for  Thy  glory, 
and  for  the  furtherance  of  Thy  kingdom,  and  save  us 
from  all  pride,  and  vanity,  and  reliance  upon  our  own 
power  or  wisdom.  Give  us  this  day  thy  holy  spirit,  that 
we  may  be  Thine  in  body  and  spirit,  in  all  our  work  and 
in  all  our  refreshments. — ^Amen. 

Thomas  Arnold 

Cfte  (300  of  Strong  Drink 

3T  is  not  for  kings,  O  Lemuel,  it  is  not  for  kings  to 
drink  wine;  nor  for  princes  strong  drink:  lest  they 
drink  and  forget  the  law  and  pervert  the  judgment  of 


^54  Morning  Readings  ^ 

any  of  the  afflicted.  Give  strong  drink  to  him  that  is 
ready  to  perish.  Let  him  drink  and  forget  his  poverty, 
and  remember  his  misery  no  more. 

Be  not  among  wine-bibbers,  among  riotous  eaters  of 
flesh;  for  the  drunkard  and  the  glutton  shall  come  to 
poverty  and  drowsiness  shall  clothe  a  man  with  rags. 

Who  hath  woe?  who  hath  sorrow?  who  hath  conten- 
tions? who  hath  babbling?  who  hath  wounds  without 
cause?  who  hath  redness  of  eyes?  They  that  tarry  long 
at  the  wine;  they  that  go  to  seek  mixed  wine. 

Look  not  thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is  red;  when 
it  giveth  its  color  in  the  cup,  when  it  moveth  itself  aright. 
At  the  last  it  biteth  like  a  serpent,  and  stingeth  like  an 
adder. 

Wine  is  a  mocker,  strong  drink  is  raging  and  they  that 
are  deceived  thereby  are  not  wise. 

Selected  Proverbs 

Bless  and  sanctify  our  souls  with  thy  heavenly  bless- 
ing, that  they  may  become  thy  holy  habitation,  and  let 
nothing  be  found  in  these  temples  of  thy  divinity,  which 
shall  offend  the  eyes  of  thy  majesty.  According  to  the 
greatness  of  thy  goodness  and  multitude  of  thy  mer- 
cies, look  upon  us  and  hear  the  prayers  of  thy  poor 
servants.  Protect  and  keep  our  souls,  amidst  so  many 
dangers  of  this  life,  and,  by  thy  grace  accompanying  us, 
direct  them  along  the  way  of  peace,  to  their  home  of 
everlasting  brightness. — Amen. 

Thomas  a  Kempis  (1379-1471) 


Proverbs  255 


136 

tOi0Dom 

.APPY  is  the  man  that  findeth  wisdom  and  the  man 
that  getteth  understanding.  For  the  merchandise  of 
it  is  better  than  the  merchandise  of  silver  and  the  gain 
thereof  than  fine  gold.  She  is  more  precious  than  rubies 
and  all  the  things  thou  canst  desire  are  not  to  be  com- 
pared unto  her.  Length  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand, 
and  in  her  left  hand  riches  and  honor.  Her  ways  are 
ways  of  pleasantness  and  all  her  paths  are  peace. 

Wisdom  is  the  principal  thing,  therefore  get  wisdom: 
and  with  all  thy  getting,  get  understanding.  Exalt  her 
and  she  shall  promote  thee:  she  shall  bring  thee  to  honor 
when  thou  dost  embrace  her.  She  shall  give  to  thine 
head  an  ornament  of  grace:  a  crown  of  glory  shall  she 
deliver  to  thee. 

Get  wisdom,  get  understanding;  forget  it  not;  neither 
decline  from  the  words  of  my  mouth.  Forsake  her  not 
and  she  shall  preserve  thee,  love  her  and  she  shall  keep 
thee, 

/  Selected  Proverbs 

Almighty  God,  who  art  the  giver  of  all  wisdom,  en- 
lighten our  understanding  with  knowledge  of  right,  and 
govern  our  will  by  thy  laws,  that  no  deceit  may  mislead 
us,  nor  temptation  corrupt  us;  that  we  may  always  en- 
deavor to  do  good,  and  to  hinder  evil.  Amidst  all  the 
hopes  and  fears  of  this  world,  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit 
from  us,  but  grant  that  our  thoughts  may  be  fixed  on 


256  Mornvng  Readings 

Thee,  and  that  we  may  finally  attain  everlasting  happi- 
ness.— Amen, 

Samuel  Johnson  (1709-1784) 

137 

J^OW  much  better  it  is  to  get  wisdom  than  gold;  and 
i*^to  get  understanding  rather  to  be  chosen  than  silver. 
The  treasures  of  wickedness  profit  nothing,  but  righteous- 
ness delivereth  from  death.  A  good  name  is  rather  to 
be  chosen  than  great  riches,  and  loving  favor  rather  than 
silver  and  gold.     - 

Better  it  is  to  be  of  an  humble  spirit  with  the  lowly, 
than  to  divide  the  spoil  with  the  proud.  Better  is  a  dry 
morsel  and  quietness  therewith,  than  a  house  full  of  sac- 
rifices with  strife.  Better  is  a  little  with  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  than  great  treasure  and  trouble  therewith.  Better 
is  a  dinner  of  herbs  where  love  is  than  a  stalled  ox  and 
hatred  therewith. 

There  is  that  maketh  himself  rich  yet  hath  nothing; 
there  is  that  maketh  himself  poor,  yet  hath  great  riches. 
There  is  that  scattereth  and  yet  increaseth,  and  there  is 
that  withholdeth  more  than  is  meet  but  it  tendeth  to 
poverty. 

Remove  far  from  me  vanity  and  lies;  give  me  neither 
poverty  nor  riches ;  feed  me  with  food  convenient  for 
me.  Riches  profit  not  in  the  day  of  wrath;  but  right- 
eousness delivereth  from  death. 

Selected  Proverbs 


Proverbs  257 


0  beloved  God,  grant  us  to  become  beautiful  in  the 
inner  man,  and  that  whatever  outward  things  we  have 
may  be  at  peace  with  those  within. 

May  we  deem  the  wise  man  rich,  and  may  we  have  such 
a  portion  of  gold  as  none  but  prudent  men  can  either 
bear  or  employ. — Amen. 

A  Frayer  of  Socrates — Flato 


138 

Cfie  lvalue  of  Discretion 

E  that  hath  knowledge  spareth  his  words, 

And  a  man  of  understanding  is  of  an  excellent  spirit. 

Even  a  fool,  when  he  holdeth  his  peace,  is  counted  wise, 

And  he  that  shutteth  his  lips  is  esteemed  a  man  of  under- 
standing. 

A  fool  uttereth  all  his  mind, 

But  a  wise  man  keepeth  it  till  afterwards. 

He  that  answereth  a  matter  before  he  heareth  it, 

It  is  folly  and  shame  to  him. 

He  that  goeth  about  as  a  tale-bearer  revealeth  secrets; 

Therefore  company  not  with  him  that  openeth  wide  his 
lips. 

For  lack  of  wood  the  fire  goeth  out; 

And  where  there  is  no  whisperer,  contention  ceaseth. 

As  coals  are  to  hot  embers,  and  wood  to  fire, 

So  is  a  contentious  man  to  inflame  strife. 

The  words  of  a  whisperer  are  m  d^^inty  morsels, 


258  Morning  Readings 

And  they  go  down  into  the  innermost  parts. 
A  false  witness  shall  not  be  unpunished; 
And  he  that  uttereth  lies  shall  not  escape. 
He  that  covereth  a  transgression  seeketh  love ; 
But  he  that  harpeth  on  a  matter  separateth  chief  friends. 
The  beginning  of  strife  is  as  when  one  letteth  out  water: 
Therefore  leave  off  contention  before  there  is  quarreling. 
Whoso  keepeth  his  mouth  and  his  tongue  keepeth  his  soul 
from  troubles. 

Selected  Proverbs 

O  Lord,  lift  up  the  light  of  Thy  countenance  upon  us ; 
let  Thy  peace  rule  our  hearts ;  and  may  it  be  our  strength 
and  our  song  in  the  course  of  our  pilgrimage.  We  com- 
mit ourselves  to  Thy  care  and  keeping  this  day.  Let 
Thy  grace  be  mighty  in  us,  and  may  it  work  both  to  will 
and  to  do  of  Thy  good  pleasure;  and  grant  us  strength 
for  all  the  duties  of  the  day.  Keep  us  from  sin ;  give  us 
the  rule  over  our  own  spirits;  and  keep  us  from  speak- 
ing unadvisedly  with  our  lips.  May  we  live  together  in 
peace  and  holy  love,  and  do  Thou  command  Thy  blessing 
upon  us,  even  life  forevermore. — ^Amen. 

Matthew  Henry  (1662-1714) 

139 

Cfte  lvalue  of  I^inDIine00 

QT  MAN  that  hath  friends  must  show  himself  friendly, 
f^  and  there  is  a  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a 
brother. 


Proverbs  259 


A  wrathful  man  stirreth  up  strife  but  he  that  is  slow 
to  anger  appeaseth  strife. 

He  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than  the  mighty; 
and  he  that  ruleth  his  spirit  than  he  that  taketh  a  city. 

A  fool  uttereth  all  his  anger;  but  a  wise  man  keepeth 
it  back  and  stilleth  it. 

A  soft  answer  tumeth  away  wrath,  but  grievous  words 
stir  up  anger. 

Pleasant  words  are  as  an  honeycomb,  sweet  to  the  soul, 
and  health  to  the  bones. 

A  merry  heart  doeth  good  like  a  medicine,  but  a  broken 
spirit  drieth  up  the  bones* 

Selected  Proverbs 

O  Almighty  God,  help  us  to  put  away  all  bitterness  and 
wrath  and  evil-speaking,  with  all  malice.  May  we  pos- 
sess our  souls  in  patience,  however  we  are  tempted  and 
provoked,  and  not  be  overcome  with  evil,  but  overcome  evil 
with  good.  Enable  us,  0  God  of  patience,  to  bear  one 
another's  burdens,  and  to  forbear  one  another  in  love. 
Oh,  teach  and  help  us  all  to  live  in  peace  and  to  love  in 
truth,  following  peace  with  all  men  and  walking  in  love. 
Subdue  all  bitter  resentments  in  our  minds,  and  let  the 
law  of  kindness  be  in  our  tongues,  and  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit  in  all  our  lives.  Make  us  so  gentle  and  peaceable 
that  we  may  be  followers  of  Thee  as  dear  children,  that 
Thou,  the  God  of  peace,  mayest  dwell  with  us  forever- 
more. — ^Amen. 

Benjamin  JenJcs  (1646-1724) 


VI 


r 


140 

Cl)e  Sermon  on  tfte  epount 

/WND  seeing  the  multitudes,  he  went  up  into  the  moun- 
<*^tain:  and  when  he  had  sat  down,  his  disciples  came 
unto  him:  and  he  opened  his  mouth  and  taught  them, 
saying. 

Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit:  for  theirs  is  the  king- 
dom of  heaven. 

Blessed  are  they  that  mourn:  for  they  shall  be  com- 
forted. 

Blessed  are  the  meek:  for  they  shall  inherit  the  earth. 

Blessed  are  they  that  hunger  and  thirst  after  right- 
eousness: for  they  shall  be  filled. 

Blessed  are  the  merciful:  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy. 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart:  for  they  shall  see  God. 

Blessed  are  the  peacemakers :  for  they  shall  be  called 
sons  of  God. 

Blessed  are  they  that  have  been  persecuted  for  right- 
eousness' sake:  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  reproach  you,  and  per- 
se<iute  you,  and  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you  falsely, 
for  my  sake.  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding  glad:  for  great 
is  your  reward  in  heaven:  for  so  persecuted  they  the 
prophets   that  were  before   you. 

Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.  A  city  set  on  a  hill  can- 
not be  hid.     Neither  do  men  light  a  lamp,  and  put  it  un- 

263 


264?  Morning  Readings 


der  the  bushel,  but  on  the  stand ;  and  it  shineth  unto  all 
that  are  in  the  house.  Even  so  let  your  light  shine  before 
men;  that  they  may  see  3^our  good  works,  and  glorify 
your  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

Matthew  5:1-12,  14-16 

Father  in  heaven,  so  gifted  as  we  are,  surrounded  so, 
and  so  destined  for  immortal  welfare,  we  pray  Thee  that 
we  may  live  great  and  noble  lives  on  the  earth,  unfolding 
our  nature  day  by  day,  using  our  bodies  for  their  pur- 
pose, and  the  soul  for  its  higher  use,  gro^Wng  wiser  and 
better  as  we  change  time  into  life,  and  daily  work  into 
exalted  character.  So  may  we  live  that  every  day  we 
learn  some  new  truth,  practise  some  new  virtue,  and  be- 
come dearer  and  more  beautiful  in  thine  own  sight.  So 
may  Thy  kingdom  come,  and  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth 
as  it  is  in  heaven. — Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 

141 

Cfte  I9eto  Lato 

J^E  have  heard  that  it  was  said.  An  eye  for  an  eye, 
Ci;  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth:  but  I  say  unto  you.  Resist 
not  him  that  is  evil:  but  whosoever  smiteth  thee  on  thy 
right  cheek,  turn  to  him  the  other  also.  And  if  any  man 
would  go  to  law  with  thee,  and  take  away  thy  coat,  let 
him  have  thy  cloak  also.  And  whosoever  shall  compel 
thee  to  go  one  mile,  go  with  him  two.  Give  to  him  that 
asketh  thee,  and  from  him  that  would  borrow  of  thee 
turn  not  thou  away. 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  265 

Ye  have  heard  that  it  was  said,  Thou  shalt  love  thy 
neighbor,  and  hate  thine  enemy :  but  I  say  unto  you,  Love 
your  enemies,  and  pray  for  them  that  persecute  you; 
that  ye  may  be  sons  of  your  Father  who  is  in  heaven: 
for  he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  the  good, 
and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  the  unjust.  For  if  ye 
love  them  that  love  you,  what  reward  have  ye?  do  not 
even  the  publicans  the  same?  And  if  ye  salute  your 
brethren  only,  what  do  ye  more  than  others?  do  not  even 
the  Gentiles  the  same?  Ye  therefore  shall  be  perfect,  as 
your  heavenly  Father  is  perfect. 

Matthew  5 :38-48 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to  be  perfect,  as  Thou 
our  Father  in  heaven  art  perfect:  put  into  our  hearts, 
we  pray  Thee,  a  continual  desire  to  obey  Thy  holy  will. 
Teach  us  day  by  day  what  Thou  wouldest  have  us  do, 
and  give  us  grace  and  power  to  fulfil  the  same.  May  we 
never  from  love  of  ease,  decline  the  path  which  Thou 
pointest  out,  nor,  for  fear  of  shame,  turn  away  from  it. 
— ^Amen. 

Henr^  Alford  (1810-1871) 

Cfie  perfect  praget 

<y|f^AKE  care  not  to  perform  your  religious  duties  in 
^t^public  in  order  to  be  seen  by  others ;  if  you  do,  your 
Father  who  is  in  Heaven  has  no  reward  for  you. 

Therefore,  when  you  do  acts  of  charity,  do  not  have  a 
trumpet  blown  in  front  of  you,  as  hypocrites  do  in  the 


266  Morning  Readings 

Synagogues  and  in  the  streets,  that  they  may  be  praised 
by  others.  There,  I  tell  you,  is  their  reward!  But, 
when  you  do  acts  of  charity,  do  not  let  your  left  hand 
know  what  your  right  hand  is  doing,  so  that  your  charity 
may  be  secret;  and  your  Father,  who  sees  what  is  in 
secret,  will  recompense  you. 

And,  when  you  pray,  you  are  not  to  behave  as  hypo- 
crites do.  They  like  to  pray  standing  in  the  Synagogues 
and  at  the  comers  of  the  streets,  that  they  may  be  seen 
by  men.  There,  I  tell  you,  is  their  reward!  But,  when 
one  of  you  prays,  let  him  go  into  his  own  room,  shut  the 
door,  and  pray  to  his  Father  who  dwells  in  secret;  and 
his  Father,  who  sees  what  is  secret,  will  recompense  him. 
When  praying,  do  not  repeat  the  same  words  over  and 
over  again,  as  is  done  by  the  Gentiles,  who  think  that  by 
using  many  words  they  will  obtain  a  hearing.  Do  not 
imitate  them;  for  God,  your  Father,  knows  what  you 
need  before  you  ask  him.  You,  therefore,  should  pray 
thus — 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  Heaven,  May  thy  name  be  held 
holy,  thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be  done — on  earth,  as 
in  Heaven.  Give  us  to-day  the  bread  that  we  shall  need ; 
and  forgive  us  our  wrong-doings,  as  we  have  forgiven 
those  who  have  wronged  us ;  and  take  us  not  into  tempta- 
tion, but  deliver  us  from  Evil. 

For,  if  you  forgive  others  their  offences,  your  heav- 
enly Father  will  forgive  you  also ;  but,  if  you  do  not  for- 
give others  their  offences,  not  even  your  Father  will  for- 
give  your  ofFences.*  Matthew  6:1-15 

*  From  the  Twentieth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by 
Fleming  H.  Revell  Co. 


Discourses  cmd  Parables  of  Jesus  267 

r  Our  Father  which  art  in  Heaven,  hallowed  be  Thy 
name.  Thy  Kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in  earth 
as  it  is  in  Heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 
And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil:  for 
Thine  is  the  Kingdom,  and  the  Power  and  the  Glory,  for 
ever, — ^Amen. 

143 

Cfte  Crue  Creature 

'jr  AY  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon  the  earth, 
>^where  moth  and  rust  consume,  and  where  thieves  break 
through  and  steal:  but  lay  up  for  yourselves  treasures 
in  heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  consume, 
and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through  nor  steal:  for 
where  thy  treasure  is,  there  will  thy  heart  be  also. 

No  man  can  serve  two  masters:  for  either  he  will  hate 
the  one,  and  love  the  other;  or  else  he  will  hold  to  one, 
and  despise  the  other.  Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  mam- 
mon. Therefore  I  say  unto  you.  Be  not  anxious  for 
your  life,  what  ye  shall  eat,  or  what  ye  shall  drink ;  nor 
yet  for  your  body,  w^hat  ye  shall  put  on.  Is  not  the  life 
more  than  the  food,  and  the  body  than  the  raiment.? 
Behold  the  birds  of  the  heaven,  that  they  sow  not,  neither 
do  they  reap,  nor  gather  into  barns ;  and  your  heavenly 
Father  feedeth  them.  Are  not  ye  of  much  more  value 
than  they?  And  which  of  you  by  being  anxious  can  add 
one  cubit  unto  the  measure  of  his  life?  And  why  are  ye 
anxious  concerning  raiment?  Consider  the  lilies  of  the 
field,  how  they  grow;  they  toil  not,  neither  do  they  spin: 


268  Morning  Readings 

yet  I  say  unto  you,  that  even  Solomon  in  all  his  glory 
was  not  arrayed  like  one  of  these.  But  if  God  doth  so 
clothe  the  grass  of  the  field,  which  to-day  is,  and  to- 
morrow is  cast  into  the  oven,  shall  he  not  much  more 
clothe  you,  O  ye  of  little  faith?  Be  not  therefore  anx- 
ious, saying,  What  shall  we  eat?  or.  What  shall  we  drink? 
or.  Wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed?  For  after  all  these 
things  do  the  Gentiles  seek;  for  your  heavenly  Father 
knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  all  these  things.  But  seek 
ye  first  his  kingdom,  and  his  righteousness ;  and  all  these 
things  shall  be  added  unto  you. 

Matthew  6:19-21,  24-33 

O  God,  from  whom  we  have  received  life  and  all  earthly 
blessings,  vouchsafe  to  give  unto  us  each  day  what  we 
need;  give  unto  all  of  us  strength  to  perform  faithfully 
our  appointed  tasks,  bless  the  work  of  our  hands  and  of 
our  minds.  Grant  that  we  may  ever  serve  Thee,  in  sick- 
ness and  in  health,  in  necessity  and  in  abundance,  sanctify 
our  joys  and  our  trials;  and  give  us  grace  to  seek  first 
Thy  kingdom  and  its  righteousness,  in  the  sure  and  cer- 
tain faith  that  all  else  shall  be  added  unto  us. — ^Amen. 

Eugene  Bersier  (1831-1889) 

144 

Cfie  (SoIDen  Rule 

OrUDGE  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged.  For  with  what 
^J^ judgment  ye  judge,  ye  shall  be  judged:  and  with 
what  measure  ye  mete,  it  shall  be  measured  unto  you. 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  269 

And  why  beholdest  thou  the  mote  that  is  in  thy  brother's 
eye,  but  considerest  not  the  beam  that  is  in  thine  own 
eye?  Or  how  wilt  thou  say  to  thy  brother,  Let  me  cast 
out  the  mote  out  of  thine  eye;  and  lo,  the  beam  is  in 
thine  own  eye?  Thou  hypocrite,  cast  out  first  the  beam 
out  of  thine  own  eye;  and  then  shalt  thou  see  clearly  to 
cast  out  the  mote  out  of  thy  brother's  eye. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ; 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you:  for  every  one 
that  asketh  receiveth ;  and  he  that  seeketh  findeth ;  and 
to  him  that  knocketh  it  shall  be  opened.  Or  what  man 
is  there  of  you,  who,  if  his  son  shall  ask  him  for  a  loaf, 
will  give  him  a  stone ;  or  if  he  shall  ask  for  a  fish,  will  give 
him  a  serpent?  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give 
good  gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your 
Father  who  is  in  heaven  give  good  things  to  them  that 
ask  him?  All  things  therefore  whatsoever  ye  would  that 
men  should  do  unto  you,  even  so  do  ye  also  unto  them: 
for  this  is  the  law  and  the  prophets. 

Matthew  7:1-5,  7-ia 

Soften  our  hearts,  0  Lord,  that  we  may  be  moved  no 
less  at  the  necessities  and  griefs  of  our  neighbors,  than  if 
they  concerned  ourselves,  or  the  cases  that  touched  us 
nearest,  and  let  us  think  them  to  befall  even  to  our  dear- 
est friends.  Let  us  pity  them  as  ourselves,  and,  in  their 
adversity,  let  us  have  compassion  upon  them,  that,  as  we 
would  have  pitied  ourselves  for  the  like  cause,  so  we  may 
be  moved  with  pity  towards  those,  whom  we  see  oppressed 
with  the  same  adversities. — Amen. 

Ludomcus  Dives  (1578) 


^70  Morning  Readings 

145 

iQot  ffitierp  SDnt  Cftat  @)aitj)  CJnto  ^t,  LorD, 

JLorD 

^|5|0T  every  one  that  saith  unto  me,  Lord,  Lord,  shall 
^3'A'enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven ;  but  he  that  doeth 
the  will  of  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven.  Many  will  say 
to  me  in  that  day,  Lord,  Lord,  did  we  not  prophesy  by 
thy  name,  and  by  thy  name  cast  out  demons,  and  by  thy 
name  do  many  mighty  works?  And  then  will  I  profess 
unto  them,  I  never  knew  you:  depart  from  me,  ye  that 
work  iniquity. 

Every  one  therefore  that  heareth  these  words  of  mine, 
and  doeth  them,  shall  be  likened  unto  a  wise  man,  who 
built  his  house  upon  the  rock:  and  the  rain  descended, 
and  the  floods  came,  and  the  winds  blew,  and  beat  upon 
that  house;  and  it  fell  not:  for  it  was  founded  upon  the 
rock.  And  every  one  that  heareth  these  words  of  mine, 
and  doeth  them  not,  shall  be  likened  unto  a  foolish  man, 
who  built  his  house  upon  the  sand:  and  the  rain  de- 
scended, and  the  floods  came,  and  the  winds  blew,  and 
smote  upon  that  house;  and  it  fell:  and  great  was  the 
fall  thereof. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had  finished  these 
words,  the  multitudes  were  astonished  at  his  teaching:  for 
he  taught  them  as  one  having  authority,  and  not  as  their 
scribes. 

Matthew  7 :^^'^9 

Arise,  0  Lord,  who  judgest  the  earth;  and  as  Thou 
dwellest  in  and  possessest  the  faith  of  all  nations,  suffer 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  271 

us  not  to  abide  in  darkness ;  and  grant  that  we  may  not 
lay  the  foundations  of  our  faith  on  the  sand  where  the 
whirlwind  may  overthrow  them,  but  be  established  on  the 
rock  which  is  steadfast  in  Thee. — Amen. 

Mozarabic  Liturgy  (before  700) 

146 

Cfte  parable  of  tije  ^otoet 

/WND  he  spake  to  them  many  things  in  parables,  say- 
<*^ing.  Behold,  the  sower  went  forth  to  sow;  and  as  he 
sowed,  some  seeds  fell  by  the  way  side,  and  the  birds  came 
and  devoured  them :  and  others  fell  upon  the  rocky  places, 
where  they  had  not  much  earth:  and  straightway  they 
sprang  up,  because  they  had  no  deepness  of  earth:  and 
when  the  sun  was  risen,  they  were  scorched;  and  because 
they  had  no  root,  they  withered  away.  And  others  fell 
upon  the  thorns ;  and  the  thorns  grew  up  and  choked 
them:  and  others  fell  upon  the  good  ground,  and  yielded 
fruit,  some  a  hundredfold,  some  sixty,  some  thirty.  He 
that  hath  ears,  let  him  hear. 

And  the  disciples  came,  and  said  unto  him,  Why  speak- 
est  thou  unto  them  in  parables?  And  he  answered  and 
said  unto  them.  Unto  you  it  is  given  to  know  the  mys- 
teries of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to  them  it  is  not 
given. 

But  blessed  are  your  eyes,  for  they  see ;  and  your  ears, 
for  they  hear. 

Hear  then  ye  the  parable  of  the  sower.  When  any 
one  heareth  the  word  of  the  kingdom,  and  understandeth 


272  Morning  Readings 

it  not,  then  cometh  the  evil  one,  and  snatcheth  away  that 
which  hath  been  sown  in  his  heart.  This  is  he  that  was 
sown  by  the  way  side.  And  he  that  was  sown  upon  the 
rocky  places,  this  is  he  that  heareth  the  word,  and 
straightway  with  joy  receiveth  it;  yet  hath  he  not  root 
in  himself,  but  endureth  for  a  while;  and  when  tribula- 
tion or  persecution  ariseth  because  of  the  word,  straight- 
way he  stumbleth.  And  he  that  was  sown  among  the 
thorns,  this  is  he  that  heareth  the  word ;  and  the  care  of 
the  world,  and  the  deceitfulness  of  riches,  choke  the  word, 
and  he  becometh  unfruitful.  And  he  that  was  sown  upon 
the  good  ground,  this  is  he  that  heareth  the  word,  and 
understandeth  it;  who  verily  beareth  fruit,  and  bringeth 
forth,  some  a  hundredfold,  some  sixty,  some  thirty. 

Matthew  13:3-11,  16,  18-23 

O  thou  discemer  of  thoughts!  May  we  not  fall  into 
the  snares  of  a  self-deceiving  mind.  When  our  holy  re- 
solves spring  up,  may  they  not  wither  away  because 
there  is  no  deepness  of  earth:  but,  O  thou  Lord  of  the 
harvest,  enrich  the  furrows  of  our  nature,  and  hide  thy 
good  seed  from  the  cares  of  this  world,  and  nourish  it 
with  the  dews  of  thy  pure  grace.  .  .  .  May  a  constant 
sense  of  thy  presence  give  us  a  composed  and  reverent 
soul,  open  our  lips  with  thoughtful  and  quiet  words,  fill 
us  with  great  and  gentle  thoughts,  and  sweep  away  with 
a  holy  breath  every  dust  of  care,  every  trace  of  fear,  and 
every  taint  of  an  uncharitable  mind. — Amen. 

James  Martineau  (1805-1900) 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  273 

147 

Cfte  ©00 Dip  Pearl 

/WNOTHER  parable  spake  he  unto  them;  The  king- 
'*^dom  of  heaven  is  hke  unto  leaven,  which  a  woman 
took,  and  hid  in  three  measures  of  meal,  till  it  was  all 
leavened. 

The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  treasure  hidden 
in  the  field;  which  a  man  found,  and  hid;  and  in  his  joy 
he  goeth  and  selleth  all  that  he  hath,  and  bujeth  that 
field. 

Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  man  that 
is  a  merchant  seeking  goodly  pearls:  and  having  found 
one  pearl  of  great  price,  he  went  and  sold  all  that  he  had, 
and  bought  it. 

Again,  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  net,  that 
was  cast  into  the  sea,  and  gathered  of  every  kind :  which, 
when  it  was  filled,  they  drew  up  on  the  beach;  and  they 
sat  down,  and  gathered  the  good  into  vessels,  but  the 
bad  they  cast  away. 

Matthew  13 :33,  44-48 

0  God,  our  true  Life,  in  whom  and  by  whom  all  things 
live,  Thou  commandest  us  to  seek  Thee,  and  art  ready  to 
be  found;  Thou  biddest  us  to  knock,  and  openest  when 
we  do  so.  To  know  Thee  is  life,  to  serve  Thee  is  free- 
dom, to  enjoy  Thee  is  a  kingdom,  to  praise  Thee  is  the 
joy  and  happiness  of  the  soul.  We  praise,  and  bless, 
and  adore  Thee,  we  worship  Thee,  we  glorify  Thee,  we 
give  thanks  to  Thee  for  Thy  great  glory.     We  humbly 


274»  Morning  Readings 

beseech  Thee  to  abide  with  us,  to  reign  in  us,  to  make 
these  hearts  of  ours  a  holy  temple,  a  fit  habitation  for 
Thy  Divine  majesty.  0  Thou  Maker  and  Preserver  of 
all  things,  visible  and  invisible !  keep,  we  beseech  Thee, 
the  work  of  Thine  own  hands,  who  trust  in  Thy  mercy 
alone  for  safety  and  protection.  Guard  us  with  the 
power  of  Thy  grace,  here  and  in  all  places,  now  and  at 
all  times,  for  evermore. — Amen. 

St.  Augustine  (354-430) 

148 

Cf)e  parable  of  tfte  Care$ 

(gJNOTHER  parable  set  he  before  them,  saying,  The 
^*^kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  unto  a  man  that  sowed 
good  seed  in  his  field :  but  while  men  slept,  his  enemy  came 
and  sowed  tares  also  among  the  wheat,  and  went  away. 
But  when  the  blade  sprang  up  and  brought  forth  fruit, 
then  appeared  the  tares  also.  And  the  servants  of  the 
householder  came  and  said  unto  them,  Sir,  didst  thou  not 
sow  good  seed  in  thy  field?  whence  then  hath  it  tares? 
And  he  said  unto  them,  An  enemy  hath  done  this.  And 
the  servants  say  unto  him.  Wilt  thou  then  that  we  go 
and  gather  them  up?  But  he  saith.  Nay;  lest  haply 
while  ye  gather  up  the  tares,  ye  root  up  the  wheat  with 
them.  Let  both  grow  together  until  the  harvest :  and 
in  the  time  of  the  harvest  I  will  say  to  the  reapers.  Gather 
up  first  the  tares,  and  bind  them  in  bundles  to  bum 
them ;  but  gather  the  wheat  into  my  bam. 

Then  he  left  the  multitudes,  and  went  into  the  house: 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  275 

and  his  disciples  came  unto  him,  saying,  Explain  unto 
us  the  parable  of  the  tares  of  the  field.  And  he  an- 
swered and  said,  He  that  soweth  the  good  seed  is  the  Son 
of  man;  and  the  field  is  the  world;  and  the  good  seed, 
these  are  the  sons  of  the  kingdom:  and  the  tares  are  the 
sons  of  the  evil  on€;  and  the  enemy  that  sowed  them  is  the 
devil:  and  the  harvest  is  the  end  of  the  world;  and  the 
reapers  are  angels.  As  therefore  the  tares  are  gathered 
up  and  burned  with  fire;  so  shall  it  be  in  the  end  of  the 
world.  Then  shall  the  righteous  shine  forth  as  the  sun 
in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father.  He  that  hath  ears,  let 
him  hear. 

Matthew  13:24-30,  36-40,  43 

Grant,  O  heavenly  Father,  that  we  may  so  faithfully 
believe  in  Thee,  and  so  fervently  love  one  another,  alway 
living  in  Thy  fear,  and  in  the  obedience  of  Thy  holy  law 
and  blessed  will,  that  we,  being  fruitful  in  all  good  works, 
may  lead  our  life  according  to  Thy  good  pleasure  in  this 
transitory  world  and,  after  this  frail  and  short  life,  ob- 
tain the  true  and  immortal  life,  where  thou  livest  and 
reignest,  world  without  end. — Amen. 

Thomas  Becon  (1511-1567) 

149 

cajf)p  Cften  M  (Sreate^t  Sn  tfte  IKingDom  of 
l^eatien? 

3N  that  hour  came  the  disciples  unto  Jesus,   saying, 
Who  then  is  greatest  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.?    And 
he  called  to  him  a  little  child,  and  set  him  in  the  midst 


276  Mornmg  Readings 

of  them,  and  said,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Except  ye  turn, 
and  become  as  little  children,  ye  shall  in  no  wise  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Whosoever  therefore  shall 
humble  himself  as  this  little  child,  the  same  is  the  great- 
est in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  And  whoso  shall  receive 
one  such  little  child  in  my  name  receiveth  me:  but  whoso 
shall  cause  one  of  these  little  ones  that  believe  on  me  to 
stumble,  it  is  profitable  for  him  that  a  great  millstone 
should  be  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  that  he  should  be 
sunk  in  the  depth  of  the  sea. 

Woe  unto  the  world  because  of  occasions  of  stumbling! 
for  it  must  needs  be  that  the  occasions  come ;  but  woe  to 
that  man  through  whom  the  occasion  cometh!  And  if 
thy  hand  or  thy  foot  causeth  thee  to  stumble,  cut  it  off, 
and  cast  it  from  thee:  it  is  good  for  thee  to  enter  into 
life  maimed  or  halt,  rather  than  having  two  hands  or 
two  feet  to  be  cast  into  the  eternal  fire. 

See  that  ye  despise  not  one  of  these  little  ones:  for 
I  say  unto  you,  that  in  heaven  their  angels  do  always 
behold  the  face  of  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven. 

Matthew  18:1-8,  10 

O  God,  who  puttest  into  our  hearts  such  deep  desire, 
that  we  cannot  be  at  peace  until  we  enjoy  the  feeling  of 
Thy  love;  mercifully  grant  that  the  unspeakable  sigh- 
ing of  our  souls'  need  may  not  go  unsatisfied  because  of 
any  unrighteousness  of  heart,  which  must  divide  us  from 
the  All-holy  One ;  but  strengthen  us  to  do  right  by  whom- 
soever we  have  wronged  in  thought,  word,  or  deed;  to 
renounce  all  plans  of  wrong-doing  for  the  future ;  to  pur- 
ify our  thoughts,  and  govern  our  appetites,  so  that  we 


Discourses  arid  Parables  of  Jesus  277 

may  have  no  bar  between  us  and  Thy  glory,  but  enjoy 
Thy  peace  which  passeth  understanding. — Amen. 

Rowland  WUliams  (1817-1870) 

150 

3  Le00on  in  Jfotgitjene^s 

^IKHEN  came  Peter  and  said  to  him,  Lord,  how  oft 
^^shall  my  brother  sin  against  me,  and  I  forgive  him.'' 
until  seven  times.''  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  say  not  unto 
thee.  Until  seven  times;  but,  Until  seventy  times  seven. 
Therefore  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  likened  unto  a  certain 
king,  who  would  make  a  reckoning  with  his  servants. 
And  when  he  had  begun  to  reckon,  one  was  brought  unto 
him,  that  owed  him  ten  thousand  talents.  But  foras- 
much as  he  had  not  wherewith  to  pay,  his  lord  com- 
manded him  to  be  sold,  and  his  wife,  and  children,  and 
all  that  he  had,  and  payment  to  be  made.  The  servant 
therefore  fell  down  and  vrorshipped  him,  saying,  Lord, 
have  patience  wiLli  me,  and  I  will  pay  thee  all.  And  the 
lord  of  that  servant,  being  moved  with  compassion,  re- 
leased him,  and  forgave  him  the  debt.  But  that  servant 
went  out,  and  found  one  of  his  fellow-servants,  who  owed 
him  a  hundred  shillings:  and  he  laid  hold  on  him,  and 
took  him  by  the  throat,  saying,  Pay  what  thou  owest.  So 
his  fellow-servant  fell  down  and  besought  him,  saying. 
Have  patience  with  me,  and  I  will  pay  thee.  And  he 
would  not:  but  went  and  cast  him  into  prison,  till  he 
should  pay  that  which  was  due.  So  when  his  fellow- 
servants  saw  what  was  done,  they  were  exceeding  sorry, 


278  Morning  Readings 

and  came  and  told  unto  their  lord  all  that  was  done. 
Then  his  lord  called  him  unto  him,  and  saith  to  him, 
Thou  wicked  servant,  I  forgave  thee  all  that  debt,  be- 
cause thou  besoughtest  me:  shouldest  not  thou  also  have 
had  mercy  on  thy  fellow-servant,  even  as  I  had  mercy  on 
'thee?  And  his  lord  was  wroth,  and  delivered  him  to  the 
tormentors,  till  he  should  pay  all  that  was  due.  So 
shall  also  my  heavenly  Father  do  unto  you,  if  ye  forgive 
not  every  one  his  brother  from  your  hearts. 

Matthew  18  :ai-35 

0  Lord,  because  being  compassed  with  infirmities  we 
oftentimes  sin  and  ask  pardon,  help  us  to  forgive  as  we 
would  be  forgiven;  neither  mentioning  old  offences  com- 
mitted against  us,  nor  dwelling  upon  them  in  thought, 
nor  being  influenced  by  them  in  heart ;  but  loving  our 
brother  freely  as  Thou  freely  lovest  us. — Amen. 

C.  G.  Rossetti  (1880-1894) 


151 

mw  <SooD  Cftmg  S)ftaU  I  Do? 

QTND  behold,  one  came  to  him  and  said,  Teacher,  what 
<*^good  thing  shall  I  do,  that  I  may  have  eternal  life.'' 
And  he  said  unto  him.  Why  askest  thou  me  concerning 
that  which  is  good.''  One  there  is  who  is  good:  but  if 
thou  wouldest  enter  into  life,  keep  the  commandments. 
He  saith  unto  him.  Which?  And  Jesus  said.  Thou  shalt 
not  kill.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery,  Thou  shalt  not 
steal,  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness.  Honor  thy  father 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  279 

and  thy  mother;  and,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself.  The  young  man  saith  unto  him,  All  these  things 
have  I  observed:  what  lack  I  yet?  Jesus  said  unto  him, 
If  thou  wouldest  be  perfect,  go,  sell  that  which  thou  hast, 
and  give  to  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  treasure  in 
heaven:  and  come,  follow  me.  But  when  the  young  man 
heard  the  saying,  he  went  away  sorrowful;  for  he  was 
one  that  had  great  possessions. 

Matthew  19:16-22 

Warm  our  cold  hearts.  Lord,  we  beseech  Thee.  Take 
away  all  that  hinders  us  from  giving  ourselves  to  Thee. 
Mould  us  according  to  Thine  own  image.  Give  us  grac6 
to  obey  Thee  in  all  things,  and  ever  to  follow  Thy  gra- 
cious leading.  Make  us  this  day  to  be  kind  to  our  fel- 
lowmen,  to  be  gentle  and  unselfish,  careful  to  hurt  no 
one  by  word  or  deed,  but  anxious  to  do  good  to  all,  and 
to  make  others  happy.  O  Lord,  forgive  the  sins  of  our 
temper.  Pardon  all  our  hasty  words  and  unchristian 
thoughts.  Make  us  watchful,  that  we  offend  not  with 
our  tongue.  Give  us  a  meek  and  loving  spirit,  which  is 
in  Thy  sight  of  great  price.  We  would  not  live  unto 
ourselves,  but  unto  Thee.  Keep  us  from  sin  this  day, 
and  all  that  may  offend  Thee. — Amen. 

Ashton  Oxenden  (1808-1892) 


280  Morning  Readings 

Ctie  parable  of  tfte  JLaboretg 

jp'OR  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  man  that 
fjf  was  a  householder,  who  went  out  early  in  the  morn- 
ing to  hire  laborers  into  his  vineyard.  And  when  he  had 
agreed  with  the  laborers  for  a  shilling  a  day,  he  sent 
them  into  his  vineyard.  And  he  went  out  about  the  third 
hour,  and  saw  others  standing  in  the  marketplace  idle; 
and  to  them  he  said,  Go  ye  also  into  the  vineyard,  and 
whatsoever  is  right  I  will  give  you.  And  they  went  their 
way.  Again  he  went  out  about  the  sixth  and  the  ninth 
hour,  and  did  likewise.  And  about  the  eleventh  hour  he 
went  out,  and  found  others  standing;  and  he  saith  unto 
them,  Why  stand  ye  here  all  the  day  idle?  They  say 
unto  him.  Because  no  man  hath  hired  us.  He  saith  unto 
them,  Go  ye  also  into  the  vineyard.  And  when  even 
was  come,  the  lord  of  the  vineyard  saith  unto  his  steward, 
Call  the  laborers,  and  pay  them  their  hire,  beginning 
from  the  last  unto  the  first.  And  when  they  came  that 
were  hired  about  the  eleventh  hour,  they  received  every 
man  a  shilling.  And  when  the  first  came,  they  supposed 
that  they  would  receive  more;  and  they  likewise  received 
every  man  a  shilling.  And  when  they  received  it,  they 
murmured  against  the  householder,  saying,  Tliese  last 
have  spent  but  one  hour,  and  thou  hast  made  them  equal 
unto  us,  who  have  borne  the  burden  of  the  day  and  the 
scorching  heat.  But  he  answered  and  said  to  one  of 
them.  Friend,  I  do  thee  no  wrong:  didst  not  thou  agree 
with  me  for  a  shilling?     Take  up  that  which  is  thine, 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  281 

and  go  thy  way ;  it  is  my  will  to  give  unto  this  last,  even 
as  unto  thee.  Is  it  not  lawful  for  me  to  do  what  I  will 
with  mine  own?  or  is  thine  eye  evil,  because  I  am  good? 
So  the  last  shall  be  first,  and  the  first  last. 

Matthew  20:1-16 

O  Spirit  of  grace,  who  withholdest'Thy  blessing  from 
none !  take  from  us  the  tediousness  and  anxiety  of  a  self- 
ish mind,  the  unfruitfulness  of  cold  affections,  the  weak- 
ness of  an  inconstant  will.  With  the  simplicity  of  a 
great  purpose,  the  quiet  of  a  meek  temper,  and  the  power 
of  a  well-ordered  soul,  may  we  pass  through  the  toils  and 
watches  of  our  pilgrimage;  grateful  for  all  that  may 
render  the  burden  of  duty  light;  and  even  in  strong 
trouble  rejoicing  to  be  deemed  worthy  of  the  severer 
service  of  Thy  will. — Amen. 

James  Martmeau  (1805-1900) 


153 

Cfte  Di0CDur0e  in  tfte  Cemple 

/WND  when  he  was  come  into  the  temple,  the  chief 
^J^priests  and  the  elders  of  the  people  came  unto  him  as 
he  was  teaching,  and  said.  By  what  authority  doest  thou 
these  things?  and  who  gave  thee  this  authority?  And 
Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  I  also  will  ask  you 
one  question,  which  if  ye  tell  me,  I  likewise  will  tell  you 
by  what  authority  I  do  these  things.  The  baptism  of 
John,  whence  was  it?  from  heaven  or  from  men?  And 
they  reasoned  with  themselves,  saying,  If  we  shall  say, 


282  Morning  Readings 

From  heaven ;  he  will  say  unto  us,  Why  then  did  ye  not 
believe  him?  But  if  we  shall  say,  From  men;  we  fear  the 
multitude ;  for  all  hold  John  as  a  prophet.  And  they 
answered  Jesus,  and  said.  We  know  not.  He  also  said 
unto  them,  Neither  tell  I  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these 
things.  But  what  tliink  ye?  A  man  had  two  sons;  and 
he  came  to  the  first,  and  said.  Son,  go  work  to-day  in  the 
vineyard.  And  he  answered  and  said,  I  will  not:  but 
afterward  he  repented  himself,  and  went.  And  he  came 
to  the  second,  and  said  likewise.  And  he  answered  and 
said,  I  gOy  sir:  and  went  not.  Which  of  the  two  did  the 
will  of  his  father?  They  say,  The  first.  Jesus  saith 
unto  them,  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  the  publicans  and 
the  harlots  go  into  the  kingdom  of  God  before  you.  For 
John  came  unto  you  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  and  ye 
believed  him  not ;  but  the  publicans  and  the  harlots  be- 
lieved him:  and  ye,  when  ye  saw  it,  did  not  even  repent 
yourselves  afterward,  that  ye  might  believe  him. 

Matthew  21 :23-32 

0  Almighty  God,  without  whom  we  can  do  nothing, 
we  firmly  resolve  before  Thee  to  follow  more  closely  the 
rule  of  thy  will ;  to  amend  our  ways ;  to  attend  more  dili- 
gently to  the  duties  of  our  calling ;  to  avoid  all  sin,  and  its 
its  occasions.  Do  Thou,  who  givest  us  the  will,  give  us 
also  the  power  to  accomplish  it.  Grant  what  Thou  com- 
mandest,  and  command  what  Thou  wilt ;  that  so  we  may 
live  righteously  in  this  present  world,  and  in  the  world 
to  come  may  praise  Thee  eternally. — ^Amen. 

Treasure/  of  Devotion  (1869) 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  283 

154 

Cfte  (Sreat  CommanDment 

^tf^HEN  went  the  Pharisees,  and  took  counsel  how  they 
^^might  ensnare  hnn  in  his  talk.  And  they  send  to 
him  their  disciples,  with  the  Herodians,  saying.  Teacher, 
we  know  that  thou  art  true,  and  teachest  the  way  of  God 
in  truth,  and  carest  not  for  any  one:  for  thou  regardest 
not  the  person  of  men.  Tell  us  therefore.  What  think- 
est  thou?  Is  it  lawful  to  give  tribute  unto  Csesar,  or 
not?  But  Jesus  perceived  their  wickedness,  and  said. 
Why  make  ye  trial  of  me,  ye  hypocrites?  Show  me  the 
tribute  money.  And  they  brought  unto  him  a  denarius. 
And  he  saith  unto  them.  Whose  is  this  image  and  super- 
scription? They  say  unto  him,  Caesar's.  Then  saith 
he  unto  them.  Render  therefore  unto  Caesar  the  things 
that  are  Caesar's ;  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are 
God's.  And  when  they  heard  it,  they  marvelled,  and  left 
him,  and  went  away. 

And  one  of  them,  a  lawyer,  asked  him  a  question,  try- 
ing him:  Teacher,  which  is  the  great  commandment  in 
the  law?  And  he  said  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  great  and  first  com- 
mandment. And  a  second  like  unto  it  is  this.  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two  command- 
ments the  whole  law  hangeth,  and  the  prophets. 

Matthew  22 :15-22,  35-40 


284;  Morning  Readings 


O  Lord,  grant  to  us  so  to  love  Thee  with  all  our  heart, 
\dth  all  our  niind,  and  all  our  soul,  and  our  neighbor  for 
Thy  sake ;  that  the  grace  of  charity  and  brotherly  love 
may  dwell  in  us,  and  all  envy,  harslmess,  and  ill-will  may 
die  in  us ;  and  fill  our  hearts  with  feelings  of  love,  kind- 
ness, and  compassion,  so  that,  by  constantly  rejoicing 
in  the  happiness  and  good  success  of  others,  by  sympa- 
thizing with  them  in  their  sorrows,  and  putting  away  all 
harsh  judgments  and  envious  thoughts,  we  may  follow 
Thee,  who  art  Thyself  the  true  and  perfect  Love. — 
Amen. 

Treasury  of  Devotion  (1869) 

155 

Cfte  l^arable  of  tfte  ^frgin^ 

^KHEX  shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven  be  likened  unto 
^^ten  virgins,  who  took  their  lamps,  and  went  to  meet 
the  bridegroom.  And  five  of  them  were  foolish,  and  five 
were  wise.  For  the  foolish,  when  they  took  their  lamps, 
took  no  oil  with  them:  but  the  wise  took  oil  in  their  ves- 
sels with  their  lamps.  Xow  while  the  bridegroom  tarried, 
they  all  slumbered  and  slept.  But  at  midnight  there  is 
a  cry.  Behold,  the  bridegroom!  Come  ye  forth  to  meet 
him.  Then  all  those  virgins  arose,  and  trimmed  their 
lamps.  And  the  foolish  said  unto  the  wise.  Give  us  of 
your  oil;  for  our  lamps  are  going  out.  But  the  wise  an- 
swered, saying,  Peradventure  there  will  not  be  enough 
for  us  and  you:  go  ye  rather  to  them  that  sell,  and  buy 
for  yourselves.     And  while  they  went  away  to  buy,  the 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  285. 

bridegroom  came;  and  they  that  were  ready  went  in  with 
him  to  the  marriage  feast :  and  the  door  was  shut.  After- 
ward came  also  the  other  virgins,  saving,  Lord,  Lord, 
open  to  us.  But  he  answered  and  said,  Verily  I  say  unto 
you,  I  know  you  not.  Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know  not 
the  day  nor  the  hour. 

Matthew  25  :1-13 

O  Prince  of  Life !  Awaken  us  from  all  indolence  and 
dreaminess;  teach  us  to  walk  before  thee  with  burning 
lamps,  with  cheerful  hearts,  day  by  day  expecting  our 
summons  home,  that  when  it  comes  we  may  be  found 
ready.  Give  us  abundantly  the  oil  of  thy  spirit  and  thy 
love,  that  we  may  be  kept  alert  in  constant  watchful- 
ness and  unwearied  prayer.  Draw  us  heavenwards  that 
we  may  every  day  mount  thither  in  faith  till  we  do  so 
perfectly  on  that  day  when  thou  dost  call  us  home. — 
Amen. 

Gerhard  Tersteegen  (169T-1T69) 

156 

Cfte  l^araftle  of  tfte  Olent^ 

^rfOR  it  is  as  wlien  a  man,  going  into  another  coun- 
^Jf  try,  called  his  own  servants,  and  delivered  unto  them 
his  goods.  And  unto  one  he  gave  five  talents,  to  another 
two,  to  another  one ;  to  each  according  to  his  several 
ability;  and  he  went  on  his  journey.  Straightway  he 
that  received  the  five  talents  went  and  traded  with  them, 
and  made  other  five  talents.  In  like  manner  he  also  that 
received  the  two  gained  other  two.     But  he  that  received 


286  Mornmg  Readings 

the  one  went  away  and  digged  in  the  earth,  and  hid  his 
lord's  money.  Now  after  a  long  time  the  lord  of  those 
servants  cometh,  and  maketh  a  reckoning  with  them. 
And  he  that  received  the  five  talents  came  and  brought 
other  five  talents,  saying.  Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto  me 
five  talents :  lo,  I  have  gained  other  five  talents.  His 
lord  said  unto  him,  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant : 
thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  set  thee 
over  many  things;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord. 
And  he  also  that  received  the  two  talents  came  and  said, 
Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto  me  two  talents:  lo,  I  have 
gained  other  two  talents.  His  lord  said  unto  him.  Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servant:  thou  hast  been  faithful 
over  a  few  things,  I  will  set  thee  over  many  things ;  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord.  And  he  also  that  had  re- 
ceived the  one  talent  came  and  said.  Lord,  I  knew  thee 
that  thou  art  a  hard  man,  reaping  where  thou  didst  not 
sow,  and  gathering  where  thou  didst  not  scatter;  and  I 
was  afraid,  and  went  away  and  hid  thy  talent  in  the 
earth:  lo,  thou  hast  thine  own.  But  his  lord  answered 
and  said  unto  him.  Thou  wicked  and  slothful  servant,  thou 
knewest  that  I  reap  where  I  sowed  not,  and  gather  where 
I  did  not  scatter?  thou  oughtest  therefore  to  have  put 
my  money  to  the  bankers,  and  at  my  coming  I  should 
have  received  back  mine  own  with  interest.  Take  ye 
away  therefore  the  talent  from  him,  and  give  it  unto  him 
that  hath  the  ten  talents.  For  unto  every  one  that  hath 
shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have  abundance:  but  from 
him  that  hath  not,  even  that  which  he  hath  shall  be  taken 
away. 

Matthew  25:14-29 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  287 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  that  no  man  should  be 
idle,  give  us  grace  to  employ  all  our  talents  and  faculties 
in  the  service  appointed  for  us ;  that,  whatsoever  our 
hand  findeth  to  do,  we  may  do  it  with  our  might.  Cheer- 
fully may  we  go  in  the  road  which  Thou  hast  marked 
out,  not  desiring  too  earnestly  that  it  should  be  either 
more  smooth  or  more  wide ;  but,  daily  seeking  one  way 
in  Thy  light,  may  we  trust  ourselves  and  the  issue  of  our 
journey  to  Thee,  the  Fountain  of  joy,  and  sing  songs 
of  praise  as  we  go  along.  Then,  O  Lord,  receive  us  at 
the  gate  of  life. — Amen. 

From  ''Ten  Services  of  Public  Prai/er"  compiled  hy 
James  Martineau 

157 

mbm  ©ato  fOe  Cftee  a  stranger? 

*UT  when  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  his  glory, 
and  all  the  angels  with  him,  then  shall  he  sit  on  the 
throne  of  his  glory :  and  before  him  shall  be  gathered  all 
the  nations :  and  he  shall  separate  them  one  from  another, 
as  the  shepherd  separateth  the  sheep  from  the  goats ;  and 
he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand,  but  the  goats  on 
the  left.  Then  shall  the  King  say  unto  them  on  his  right 
hand.  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  king- 
dom prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world: 
for  I  was  hungry,  and  ye  gave  me  to  eat;  I  was  thirsty, 
and  ye  gave  me  drink;  I  was  a  stranger,  and  ye  took  me 
in;  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me;  I  was  sick,  and  ye  visited 
me;  I  was  in  prison,  and  ye  came  unto  me.  Then  shall 
the  righteous  man  answer  him,  saying,  Lord,  when  saw 


288  Morning  Readings 

we  thee  hungry,  and  fed  thee?  or  athirst,  and  gave  thee 
drink?  And  when  saw  we  thee  a  stranger,  and  took  thee 
in?  or  naked,  and  clothed  thee?  And  when  saw  we  thee 
sick,  or  in  prison,  and  came  unto  thee?  And  the  King 
shall  answer  and  say  unto  them,  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  unto  one  of  these  my  brethren, 
even  these  least,  ye  did  it  unto  me. 

Matthew  25:31-40 

0  Thou  loving  and  tender  Father  in  heaven,  we  con- 
fess before  Thee,  in  deep  sorrow,  how  hard  and  unsym.- 
pathizing  are  our  hearts;  how  often  we  have  sinned 
against  our  neighbor  by  want  of  compassion  and  ten- 
derness ;  how  often  we  have  felt  no  true  pity  for  his  trials 
and  sorrows,  and  have  neglected  to  comfort,  help,  and 
visit  him.  0  Father,  forgive  this  heavy  sin,  and  lay  it 
not  to  our  charge.  Give  us  grace  ever  to  alleviate  the 
crosses  and  difficulties  of  those  around  us,  and  never  to 
add  to  them ;  teach  us  to  be  a  consoler  in  sorrow,  to  take 
thought  for  the  stranger,  the  widow,  and  the  orphan ;  let 
our  charity  show  itself  not  in  words  only  but  in  deed  and 
truth.  Teach  us  to  judge,  as  Thou  dost,  with  forbear- 
ance, with  much  pity  and  indulgence;  and  help  us  to 
avoid  all  unloving  judgment  of  others. — Amen. 

JohamiAmdt  (1555-1621) 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  289 

158 

Crue  ©reatne0S 

^WND  there  come  near  unto  him  James  and  John,  the 
^^^sons  of  Zebedee,  saying  unto  him,  Teacher,  we  would 
that  thou  shouldest  do  for  us  whatsoever  we  shall  ask 
of  thee.  And  he  said  unto  them.  What  would  ye  that  I 
should  do  for  you?  And  they  said  unto  him.  Grant  unto 
us  that  we  may  sit,  one  on  thy  right  hand,  and  one  on 
thy  left  hand,  in  thy  glory.  But  Jesus  said  unto  them. 
Ye  know  not  what  ye  ask.  Are  ye  able  to  drink  the  cup 
that  I  drink?  or  to  be  baptized  with  the  baptism  that  I 
am  baptized  with?  And  they  said  unto  him.  We  are 
able.  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  The  cup  that  I  drink 
ye  shall  drink ;  and  with  the  baptism  that  I  am  baptized 
withal  shall  ye  be  baptized:  but  to  sit  on  my  right  hand 
or  on  my  left  hand  is  not  mine  to  give ;  but  it  is  for  them 
for  whom  it  hath  been  prepared.  And  when  the  ten  heard 
it,  they  began  to  be  moved  with  indignation  concerning 
James  and  John.  And  Jesus  called  them  to  him,  and 
saith  unto  them,  Ye  know  that  they  who  are  accounted 
to  rule  over  the  Gentiles  lord  it  over  them;  and  their 
great  ones  exercise  authority  over  them.  But  it  is  not 
so  among  you:  but  whosoever  would  become  great  among 
you,  shall  be  your  minister;  and  whosoever  would  be 
first  among  you,  shall  be  servant  of  all.  For  the  Son  of 
man  also  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to  min- 
ister, and  to  give  his  life  a  ransom  for  many. 

Marl:  10:35-45 


290  Morning  Readings 

Inspire  us,  we  pray  thee,  to  noble  ambitions  and  godly 
lives ;  kindle  in  our  hearts  those  things  that  are  so  beau- 
tiful that  we  will  rest  under  their  banners  for  their  own 
sakes,  for  their  own  love,  for  their  own  glory.  May  we 
have  more  and  more  things,  thoughts,  imaginations,  and 
affections  that  we  are  willing  to  live  for  and  die  for. 
May  we  have  more  and  more  of  those  unselfish  experi- 
ences which  teach  us  that  if  we  would  be  anything  we  will 
be  willing  to  be  notliing.  And  so  may  we  be  led  into 
the  mystery  and  secret  of  thy  life,  the  losing  ourselves 
to  find  ourselves,  the  losing  ourselves  that  we  may  be 
saved. — ^Amen. 

Horatio  Stehbim  (1864-1902) 

159 

JFaitftfuI  in  Little 

/WND  he  sat  down  over  against  the  treasury,  and  be- 
<^^held  how  the  multitude  cast  money  into  the  treas- 
ury: and  many  that  were  rich  cast  in  much.  And  there 
came  a  poor  widow,  and  she  cast  in  two  mites,  which  make 
a  farthing.  And  he  called  unto  him  his  disciples,  and 
said  unto  them,  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  This  poor  widow 
cast  in  more  than  all  they  that  are  casting  into  the  treas- 
ury :  for  they  all  did  cast  in  of  their  superfluity ;  but  she 
of  her  want  did  cast  in  all  that  she  had,  even  all  her  living. 
He  that  is  faithful  in  a  very  little  is  faithful  also  in 
much:  and  he  that  is  unrighteous  in  a  very  little  is  un- 
righteous also  in  much.  If  therefore  ye  have  not  been 
faithful  in  the  unrighteous  mammon,  who  will  commit  to 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  291 

your  trust  the  true  riches?  And  if  ye  have  not  been 
faithful  in  that  which  is  another's,  who  will  give  you  that 
which  is  your  own?  No  servant  can  serve  two  masters: 
for  either  he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the  other;  or 
else  he  will  hold  to  one,  and  despise  the  other.  Ye  cannot 
serve  God  and  mammon. 

Mark  12:41-44 
Luke  16 :10-1S 

0  Lord  God,  we  pray  that  we  may  be  inspired  to  noble- 
ness of  life  in  the  least  things.  May  we  dignify  all  our 
daily  life.  May  we  set  such  a  sacredness  upon  every  part 
of  our  life,  as  a  means  appointed  for  the  glorious  ends 
of  our  edification,  that  nothing  shall  be  trivial,  nothing 
unimportant,  and  nothing  dull,  in  all  the  daily  round. — 
Amen. 

Henry  Ward  Beecher 

160 

C6e  ©teat  CommanDment 

/WND  one  of  the  scribes  came,  and  heard  them  ques- 
<*^tioning  together,  and  knowing  that  he  had  answered 
them  well,  asked  him.  What  commandment  is  the  first  of 
all?  Jesus  answered,  The  first  is.  Hear,  O  Israel;  The 
Lord  our  God,  the  Lord  is  one:  and  thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength.  The 
second  is  this.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 
There  is  none  other  commandment  greater  than  these. 
And  the  scribe  said  unto  him,  Of  a  truth.  Teacher,  thou 


292  Morning  Readings 

hast  well  said  that  he  is  one ;  and  there  is  none  other  but 
he:  and  to  love  him  with  all  the  heart,  and  with  all  the 
understanding,  and  with  all  the  strength,  and  to  love  his 
neighbor  as  himself,  is  much  more  than  all  whole  burnt- 
offerings  and  sacrifices.  And  when  Jesus  saw  that  he 
answered  discreetly,  he  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  not  far 
from  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Mark  12:28-34 

O  God,  who  hast  taught  us  to  keep  all  Thy  heavenly 
commandments  by  loving  Thee  and  our  neighbor;  grant 
us  the  spirit  of  peace  and  grace  that  we  may  be  both  de- 
voted to  Thee  with  our  whole  heart,  and  united  to  each 
other  with  a  pure  will. — Amen. 

Leonine  Sacramentary  (440) 

161 

3in0ttuction0  to  tfte  ©etientp 

^4^0W  after  these  things  the  Lord  appointed  seventy 
J'Aothers,  and  sent  them  two  and  two  before  his  face 
into  every  city  and  place,  whither  he  himself  was  about 
to  come.  And  he  said  unto  them.  The  harvest  indeed  is 
plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  few:  pray  ye  therefore 
the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  send  forth  laborers  into 
his  harvest.  Go  your  ways;  behold,  I  send  you  forth  as 
lambs  in  .the  midst  of  wolves.  Carry  no  purse,  no  wallet, 
no  shoes ;  and  salute  no  man  on  the  way.  And  into  what- 
soever house  ye  shall  enter,  first  say.  Peace  he  to  this 
house.     And  if  a  son  of  peace  be  there,  your  peace  shall 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  293 

rest  upon  him:  but  if  not,  it  shall  turn  to  you  again. 
And  in  that  same  house  remain,  eating  and  drinking  such 
things  as  they  give:  for  the  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire. 
Go  not  from  house  to  house.  And  into  whatsoever  city 
ye  enter,  and  they  receive  you,  eat  such  things  as  are  set 
before  you:  and  heal  the  sick  that  are  therein,  and  say 
unto  them.  The  kingdom  of  God  is  come  nigh  unto  you. 
But  into  whatsoever  city  ye  shall  enter,  and  they  receive 
you  not,  go  out  into  the  streets  thereof  and  say.  Even 
the  dust  from  your  city,  that  cleaveth  to  our  feet,  we  wipe 
off  against  you :  nevertheless  know  this,  that  the  kingdom 
of  God  is  come  nigh. 

Luke  10 1-11 

Be  with  all  men  and  women  who  spend  themselves  for 
the  good  of  mankind  and  bear  the  burdens  of  others; 
who  break  bread  to  the  hungry,  clothe  the  naked,  and 
take  the  friendless  to  their  habitation.  Establish  Thou, 
O  God,  the  works  of  their  hands  and  grant  them  an 
abundant  harvest  of  the  good  seed  they  are  sowing. — 
Amen. 

Jewish  Liturgy 

Cfte  ©ODD  Samaritan 

/WND  behold,  a  certain  lawyer  stood  up  and  made  trial 
^*^of  him,  saying.  Teacher,  what  shall  I  do  to  inherit 
eternal  life?  And  he  said  unto  him.  What  is  written 
in  the  law?  how  readest  thou?  And  he  answering  said, 
Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 


294*  Morning  Readings 

with  all  thy  soul,  .and  with  all  thy  strength,  and  with  all 
thy  mind;  and  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  And  he  said 
unto  him.  Thou  hast  answered  right:  this  do,  and  thou 
shalt  live.  But  he,  desiring  to  justify  himself,  said  unto 
Jesus,  And  who  is  my  neighbor?  Jesus  made  answer  and 
said,  A  certain  man  was  going  down  from  Jerusalem  to 
Jericho ;  and  he  fell  among  robbers,  who  both  stripped 
him  and  beat  him,  and  departed,  leaving  him  half  dead. 
And  by  chance  a  certain  priest  was  going  down  that  way : 
and  when  he  saw  him,  he  passed  by  on  the  other  side. 
And  in  like  manner  a  Levite  also,  when  he  came  to  the 
place,  and  saw  him,  passed  by  on  the  other  side.  But  a 
certain  Samaritan,  as  he  journeyed,  came  where  he  was: 
and  when  he  saw  him,  he  was  moved  with  compassion, 
and  came  to  him,  and  bound  up  his  wounds,  pouring  on 
them  oil  and  wine;  and  he  set  him  on  his  own  beast,  and 
brought  him  to  an  inn,  and  took  care  of  him.  And  on 
the  morrow  he  took  out  two  shillings,  and  gave  them  to 
the  host,  and  said.  Take  care  of  him;  and  whatsoever 
thou  spendest  more,  I,  when  I  come  back  again,  will  repay 
thee.  Which  of  these  three,  thinkest  thou,  proved  neigh- 
bor unto  him  that  fell  among  the  robbers?  And  he  said, 
He  that  showed  mercy  on  him.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him, 
Go,  and  do  thou  likewise. 

Luke  10  MS"! 

0  Lord,  who  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings  with- 
out charity  are  nothing  worth;  send  Thy  Holy  Ghost, 
and  pour  into  our  hearts  that  most  excellent  gift  of 
charity,  the  very  bond  of  peace  and  of  all  virtues,  without 


Discourses  cmd  Parables  of  Jesus  295 

which  whosoever  liveth  is  counted  dead  before  Thee, — 
Amen. 

Book  of  Common  Prayer 

163 

a  Di0cour0e  to  tfte  Q^uItituDe 

3N  the  mean  time,  when  the  many  thousands  of  the 
multitude  were  gathered  together,  insomuch  that  they 
trod  one  upon  another,  he  began  to  say  unto  his  disci- 
ples first  of  all,  Beware  ye  of  the  leaven  of  the  Pharisees, 
which  is  hypocrisy.  But  there  is  nothing  covered  up, 
that  shall  not  be  revealed;  and  hid,  that  shall  not  be 
known.  Wherefore  whatsoever  ye  have  said  in  the  dark- 
ness shall  be  heard  in  the  light ;  and  what  ye  have  spoken 
in  the  ear  in  the  inner  chambers  shall  be  proclaimed  upon 
the  housetops.  And  I  say  unto  you  my  friends,  Be  not 
afraid  of  them  that  kill  the  body,  and  after  that  have 
no  more  that  they  can  do.  But  I  will  warn  you  whom  ye 
shall  fear :  Fear  him,  who  after  he  hath  killed  hath  power 
to  cast  into  hell;  yea,  I  say  unto  you.  Fear  him.  Are 
not  five  sparrows  sold  for  two  pence?  and  not  one  of  them 
is  forgotten  in  the  sight  of  God.  But  the  very  hairs 
of  your  head  are  all  numbered.  Fear  not :  ye  are  of  more 
value  than  many  sparrows. 

Luke  1^:1-1 

We  love  Thee,  0  our  God ;  and  we  desire  to  love  Thee 
more  and  more.  Grant  to  us  that  we  may  love  Thee  as 
much  as  we  desire,  and  as  much  as  we  ought.    O  dearest 


296  Morning  Readings 


Friend,  who  hast  so  loved  and  saved  us,  the  thought  of 
whom  is  so  sweet  and  always  growing  sweeter,  come 
and  dwell  in  our  hearts;  then  thou  wilt  keep  a  watch 
over  our  lips,  our  steps,  our  deeds,  and  we  shall  not  need 
to  be  anxious  either  for  our  souls  or  our  bodies.  Give  us 
love,  sweetest  of  all  gifts,  which  knows  no  enemy.  Give 
us  in  our  hearts  pure  love,  bom  of  Thy  love  to  us,  that 
we  may  love  others  as  Thou  lovest  us.  O  most  loving 
Father  from  whom  floweth  all  love,  let  our  hearts,  frozen 
in  sin,  cold  to  Thee  and  cold  to  others,  be  warmed  by  this 
divine  fire.    So  help  and  bless  us. — Amen. 

St.  Anselm{\0S^-1102) 

164 

Cf)e  parable  of  tfte  Kiel)  9^an 

/WND  he  spake  a  parable  unto  them,  saying.  The 
<*^ground  of  a  certain  rich  man  brought  forth  plenti- 
fully: and  he  reasoned  within  himself,  saying.  What  shall 
I  do,  because  I  have  not  where  to  bestow  my  fruits? 
And  he  said,  This  will  I  do:  I  will  pull  down  my  bams, 
and  build  greater;  and  there  will  I  bestow  all  my  grain 
and  my  goods.  And  I  will  say  to  my  soul,  Soul,  thou 
hast  much  goods  laid  up  for  many  years ;  take  thine  ease, 
eat,  drink,  be  merry.  But  God  said  unto  him.  Thou  fool- 
ish one,  this  night  is  thy  soul  required  of  thee;  and  the 
things  which  thou  hast  prepared,  whose  shall  they  be? 
So  is  he  that  layeth  up  treasure  for  himself,  and  is  not 
rich  toward  God. 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  297 

The  earth  is  Thine,  O  Lord,  and  all  that  is  contained 
therein ;  notwithstanding  Thou  hast  given  the  posses- 
sion thereof  unto  the  children  of  men.  We  heartily  pray 
Thee  to  send  Thy  holy  spirit  into  the  hearts  of  them 
that  possess  the  grounds,  pastures,  and  dwelling-places 
of  the  earth,  that  they,  remembering  themselves  to  be 
Thy  tenants,  may  not  rack  and  stretch  out  the  rents  of 
their  houses  and  lands ;  nor  yet  take  unreasonable  fines 
and  incomes,  after  the  manner  of  covetous  worldlings,  but 
so  let  them  out  to  others  that  the  inhabitants  thereof 
may  both  be  able  to  pay  the  rents,  and  also  honestly  to 
live,  to  nourish  their  families,  and  to  relieve  the  poor; 
give  them  grace  also  to  consider  that  they  are  but  strang- 
ers and  pilgrims  in  this  world,  having  here  no  dwelling- 
place,  but  seeking  one  to  come;  that  they,  remembering 
the  short  continuance  of  their  life,  may  be  content  with 
that  which  is  sufficient,  and  not  join  house  to  house,  nor 
couple  land  to  land,  to  the  impoverishment  of  others,  but 
to  behave  themselves  in  letting  out  their  tenements,  lands, 
and  pastures,  that  after  this  life,  they  may  be  received 
into  everlasting  dwelling-places. — Amen. 

Liturgies  of  King  Edward  VI 

105 

^  iFaftfianDtfiejFaitMuI 

/WND  Jesus  said  to  his  disciples: 

^^  Do  not  be  anxious  about  the  life  here — what  you 
can  get  to  eat ;  nor  yet  about  your  body — what  you  can 
get  to  wear.     For  life  is  more  than  food,  and  the  body 


298  Mornmg  Readings 

than  its  clothes.  Think  of  the  ravens — they  neither  sow 
nor  reap ;  they  have  neither  storehouse  nor  bam ;  and  yet 
God  feeds  them!  And  how  much  more  precious  are  you 
than  birds!  But  which  of  you,  by  being  anxious,  can 
prolong  his  life  a  moment?  And,  if  you  cannot  do  even 
the  smallest  thing,  why  be  anxious  about  other  things? 
Think  of  the  lilies,  and  how  they  grow.  They  neither 
toil  nor  spin;  yet,  I  tell  you,  even  Solomon  in  all  his 
splendor  was  not  robed  like  one  of  these.  If,  even  in 
the  field,  God  so  clothes  the  grass  which  is  living  to-day 
and  to-morrow  will  be  thrown  into  the  oven,  how  much 
more  will  he  clothe  you,  0  men  of  little  faith!  And  you 
— do  not  be  always  seeking  what  you  can  get  to  eat  or 
what  you  can  get  to  drink;  and  do  not  waver.  These 
are  the  things  for  which  all  the  nations  of  the  world  are 
seeking,  and  your  Father  knows  that  you  need  them. 
No,  seek  his  Kingdom,  and  these  things  shall  be  added 
.for  you.  So  do  not  be  afraid,  my  little  flock,  for  your 
Father  has  been  pleased  to  give  you  the  Kingdom.  Sell 
what  belongs  to  you,  and  give  in  charity.  Make  your- 
selves purses  that  will  not  wear  out — an  inexhaustible 
treasure  in  Heaven,  where  no  thief  comes  near,  or  moth 
works  ruin.  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  also  will 
your  heart  be.  Make  yourselves  ready,  with  your  lamps 
alight;  and  be  like  men  who  are  waiting  for  their  Mas- 
ter's return  from  his  wedding,  so  that,  when  he  comes  and 
knocks,  they  may  open  the  door  for  him  at  once.  Happy 
are  those  servants  whom,  on  his  return,  the  Master  will 
find  watching.*  j^^^^  12 :22-37 

*  From  the  Twentieth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by 
Fleming  H.  Revell  Co. 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  299 

O  Thou  most  holy  and  ever-loving  God,  we  thank  Thee 
once  more  for  the  quiet  rest  of  the  night  that  has  gone 
by,  for  the  new  promise  that  has  come  with  this  fresh 
morning,  and  for  the  hope  of  this  day.  While  we  have 
slept,  the  world  in  which  we  live  has  swept  on  in  its  awful 
space,  great  fires  have  burned  under  us,  great  waters 
have  been  all  about  us,  and  great  storms  above  us;  but 
Thou  hast  held  them  back  by  Thy  strong  hand,  and  we 
have  rested  under  the  shadow  of  Thy  love.  The  bird 
sat  on  the  spray  out  in  the  darkness,  the  flower  nestled 
in  the  grass,  we  lay  down  in  our  home,  and  all  slept  in 
the  arms  of  God.  The  bird  will  trust  Thee  this  day  to 
give  its  morsel  of  meat,  and  the  flower  will  trust  Thee 
for  its  fresh  raiment ;  so  mav  we  trust  Thee  this  day  for 
all  the  needs  of  the  body,  the  soul,  and  the  spirit.  Give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread. — Amen. 

Robert  CoUyer  (1823-1912) 

166 

9  ILes0on  in  l^umilitg 

/WND  he  spake  a  parable  unto  those  that  were  bidden, 
<*^when  he  marked  how  they  chose  out  the  chief  seats; 
saying  unto  them,  When  thou  art  bidden  of  any  man  to 
a  marriage  feast,  sit  not  down  in  the  chief  seat;  lest 
haply  a  more  honorable  man  than  thou  be  bidden  of  him, 
and  he  that  bade  thee  and  him  shall  come  and  say  to  thee. 
Give  this  man  place;  and  then  thou  shalt  begin  with 
shame  to  take  the  lowest  place.  But  when  thou  art  bid- 
den, go  and  sit  down  in  the  lowest  place;  that  when  he 


300  Mornmg  Readings 

that  hath  bidden  thee  cometh,  he  may  say  to  thee,  Friend,, 
go  up  higher:  then  shalt  thou  have  glory  in  the  presence 
of  all  that  sit  at  meat  with  thee.  For  every  one  that 
exalteth  himself  shall  be  humbled;  and  he  that  humbleth 
himself  shall  be  exalted. 

Luke  14 :7-ll 

Hear  our  prayer,  0  Lord,  and  consider  our  desires. 
Give  unto  us  true  humility,  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  a 
loving  and  a  friendly,  a  holy  and  a  useful  manner  of 
life;  bearing  the  burdens  of  our  neighbors,  denying  our- 
selves, and  studying  to  benefit  others,  and  to  please  Thee 
in  all  things.  Grant  us  to  be  righteous  in  performing 
promises,  loving  to  our  relatives,  careful  of  our  charges; 
to  be  gentle  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  slow  to  anger,  and 
readily  prepared  for  every  good  work. — ^Amen. 

Jeremy  Taylor  (1613-1667) 

167 

Cfte  8)Hgf)teD  Snbitatfon 

(WND  he  said  to  him  also  that  had  bidden  him,  When 
'^^thou  makest  a  dinner  or  a  supper,  call  not  thy  friends, 
nor  thy  brethren,  nor  thy  kinsmen,  nor  rich  neighbors ; 
lest  haply  they  also  bid  thee  again,  and  a  recompense  be 
made  thee.  But  when  thou  makest  a  feast;,  bid  the  poor, 
the  maimed,  the  lame,  the  blind :  and  thou  shalt  be  blessed ; 
because  they  have  not  wherewith  to  recompense  thee:  for 
thou  shalt  be  recompensed  in  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 
And  when  one  of  them  that  sat  at  meat  with  him  heard 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  301 

these  things,  he  said  unto  him,  Blessed  is  he  that  shall  eat 
bread  in  the  kingdom  of  God.  But  he  said  unto  him,  A 
certain  man  made  a  great  supper ;  and  he  bade  many :  and 
he  sent  forth  his  servant  at  supper  time  to  say  to  them 
that  were  bidden.  Come ;  for  all  things  are  now  ready. 
And  they  all  with  one  consent  began  to  make  excuse.  The 
first  said  unto  him,  I  have  bought  a  field,  and  I  must 
needs  go  out  and  see  it;  I  pray  thee  have  me  excused. 
And  another  said,  I  have  bought  five  yoke  of  oxen,  and 
I  go  to  prove  them;  I  pray  thee  have  me  excused.  And 
another  said,  I  have  married  a  wife,  and  therefore  I  can- 
not come.  And  the  servant  came,  and  told  his  lord  these 
things.  Then  the  master  of  the  house  being  angry  said 
to  his  servant.  Go  out  quickly  into  the  streets  and  lanes 
of  the  city,  and  bring  in  hither  the  poor  and  maimed  and 
blind  and  lame.  And  the  servant  said.  Lord,  what  thou 
didst  command  is  done,  and  yet  there  is  room.  And  the 
lord  said  unto  the  servant.  Go  out  into  the  highways  and 
hedges,  and  constrain  them  to  come  in,  that  my  house 
may  be  filled.  For  I  say  unto  you,  that  none  of  those 
men  that  were  bidden  shall  taste  of  my  supper. 

Luke  14:12-24 

Almighty  God,  thy  great  gifts  go  forth  from  thee 
upon  the  thankful  and  upon  the  unthankful.  These 
blessed  days  have  their  light  for  those  who  know  not  their 
glory,  as  well  as  for  those  who  welcome  their  coming. 
Thou  dost  send  all  thy  great  blessings  upon  the  whole 
camp  of  the  household  of  man. 

Yet  we  have  to  remember  that  there  are  gifts  of  thine 
that  thou  givest  not  thus.     Thou  hast  strange  gifts  that 


302  Mommg  Readings 


thou  givest  to  the  lowly  and  the  humble,  gifts  that  may 
never  be  thrown  away,  precious,  heavenly  blessings.  But 
there  are  conditions  to  the  bestowment.  Thou  wouldst 
not  give  all  thy  jewels  to  the  unworthy,  thou  wouldst 
not  bestow  all  thy  blessings  upon  the  unthankful.  Pearls 
may  not  be  cast  before  swine,  and  there  are  spiritual 
blessings  which  cannot  be  given  to  a  fool.  Give  us  grace 
to  know  what  to  request,  before  thou  givest.  Our  ears 
have  heard  of  gracious  gifts  bestowed  without  money 
and  without  price.  Yet  we  believe  that  thou  hast  gifts 
that  thou  wilt  not  give  except  to  those  who  rightly  ask 
for  them.  Teach  us  what  thou  askest  of  us,  teach  us 
what  to  ask  of  thee. — ^Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 

168 

g)abin0  tfte  ILo0t 

(OW  all  the  publicans  and  sinners  were  drawing  near 
'unto  him  to  hear  him.  And  both  the  Pharisees  and 
the  scribes  murmured,  saying.  This  man  receiveth  sinners, 
and  eateth  with  them. 

And  he  spake  unto  them  this  parable,  saying.  What 
man  of  you,  having  a  hundred  sheep,  and  having  lost 
one  of  them,  doth  not  leave  the  ninety  and  nine  in  the 
wilderness,  and  go  after  that  which  is  lost,  until  he  find 
it?  And  when  he  hath  found  it,  he  layeth  it  on  his 
shoulders,  rejoicing.  And  when  he  cometh  home,  he  call- 
eth  together  his  friends  and  his  neighbors,  saying  unto 
them,  Rejoice  with  me,  for  I  have  found  my  sheep  which 


n; 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  303 

was  lost.  I  say  unto  you,  that  even  so  there  shall  be 
joy  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth,  more  than 
over  ninety  and  nine  righteous  persons,  who  need  no  re- 
pentance. 

Or  what  woman  having  ten  pieces  of  silver,  if  she  lose 
one  piece,  doth  not  light  a  lamp,  and  sweep  the  house, 
and  seek  diligently  until  she  find  it?  And  when  she  hath 
found  it,  she  calleth  together  her  friends  and  neighbors, 
saying,  Rejoice  with  me,  for  I  have  found  the  piece  which 
I  had  lost.  Even  so,  I  say  unto  you,  there  is  joy  in 
the  presence  of  the  angels  of  God  over  one  sinner  that  re- 
penteth* 

LuJce  15:1-10 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  in  whom  we  live,  and 
move,  and  have  our  being ;  Lord  of  all  life ;  Source  of  all 
light,  guiding  and  governing  all  things  of  Thy  loving- 
kindness  and  power!  Hear  our  thanksgivings  unto  Thee 
for  all  the  joy  that  Thou  puttest  into  mortal  life;  but 
chiefly  for  the  joy  that  comes  of  sin  forgiven,  weakness 
strengthened,  victory  promised,  life  eternal  looked  for. 
To  every  one  of  us  grant  that,  being  fully  conscious  of 
having  erred  and  strayed  from  Thy  ways,  we  may  be 
equally  conscious  of  our  need  to  go  back  again  to  the 
Good  Shepherd.  Let  there  be  no  doubt  with  any  one 
of  us  that  Thou  dost  forgive,  even  to  the  uttermost,  all 
those  who  draw  nigh  in  penitence  to  Thee ;  that  so,  those 
of  us  who  are  sinful,  and  sad  because  sinful,  and  sor- 
rowful in  sinning,  may  have  this  day  the  joy  of  the  Lord. 
— ^Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


304  Mommg  Readvngs 

169 

Cfte  proDjgal  ©on 

(WND  he  said,  A  certain  man  had  two  sons:  and  the 
^•^younger  of  them  said  to  his  father,  Father,  give  me 
the  portion  of  thy  substance  that  falleth  to  me.  And  he 
divided  unto  them  his  Hving.  And  not  many  days  after, 
the  younger  son  gathered  all  together  and  took  his  jour- 
ney into  a  far  country;  and  there  he  wasted  his  sub- 
stance with  riotous  living.  And  when  he  had  spent  all, 
there  arose  a  mighty  famine  in  that  country ;  and  he  be- 
gan to  be  in  want.  And  he  went  and  joined  himself  to 
one  of  the  citizens  of  that  country;  and  he  sent  him  into- 
his  fields  to  feed  swine.  And  he  would  fain  have  filled  his 
belly  with  the  husks  that  the  swine  did  eat:  and  no  man 
gave  unto  him.  But  when  he  came  to  himself  he  said, 
How  many  hired  servants  of  my  father's  have  bread 
enough  and  to  spare,  and  I  perish  here  with  hunger!  I 
will  arise  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  say  unto  him. 
Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  in  thy  sight: 
I  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son:  make  me  as 
one  of  thy  hired  servants.  And  he  arose,  and  came  to 
his  father.  But  while  he  was  yet  afar  off,  his  father 
saw  him,  and  was  moved  with  compassion,  and  ran,  and 
fell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him.  And  the  son  said. unto 
him.  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  in  thy 
sight:  I  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son.  But 
the  father  said  to  his  servants.  Bring  forth  quickly  the 
best  robe,  and  put  it  on  him ;  and  put  a  ring  on  his  hand, 
and  shoes  on  his  feet ;  and  bring  the  fatted  calf,  and  kill 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  605 

it,  and  let  us  eat,  and  make  merry:  for  this  my  son  was 
dead,  and  is  alive  again;  he  was  lost,  and  is  found. 

Luke  15:11-24 

By  that  forgiving  tenderness,  O  Lord,  wherewith  Thou 
didst  ever  wait  for  us;  by  that  tender  love  wherewith, 
whenever  we  wandered,  Thou  watchest  over  us ;  by  Thine 
infinite  love,  wherewith  Thou  wiliest  that  we  should  love 
Thee  eternally ;  give  us  love  like  Thine,  that  we  may  for- 
give, compassionate,  love  like  Thee. — Amen. 

E.  B,  Pusey  (1800-1882) 

170 

Cfie  PufJlican'0  prapet 

'ND  he  spake  also  this  parable  unto  certain  who 
;rusted  in  themselves  that  they  were  righteous,  and  set 
all  others  at  nought:  Two  men  went  up  into  the  temple 
to  pray;  the  one  a  Pharisee,  and  the  other  a  publican. 
The  Pharisee  stood  and  prayed  thus  with  himself,  God, 
I  thank  thee,  that  I  am  not  as  the  rest  of  men,  extor- 
tioners, unjust,  adulterers,  or  even  as  this  publican.  I 
fast  twice  in  the  week ;  I  give  tithes  of  all  that  I  get.  But 
the  publican,  standing  afar  off,  would  not  lift  up  so 
much  as  his  e3^es  unto  heaven,  but  smote  his  breast,  say- 
ing, God,  be  thou  merciful  to  me  a  sinner,  I  say  unto 
you,  This  man  went  down  to  his  house  justified  rather 
than  the  other:  for  every  one  that  exalteth  himself  shall 
be  humbled;  but  he  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  ex- 
alted. 

Luke  18:9-14 


306  Mornmg  Readings 

Forgive  any  who  thank  thee  that  they  are  not  what 
other  men  are.  Forgive  the  rich,  if  by  a  foolish  under- 
standing of  their  position  they  despise  the  poor.  For- 
give any  of  us  whose  lot  is  cast  in  humble  places  with 
humble  work  to  do  and  little  reward,  if  in  any  way  we 
repine  against  God.  Teach  us  that  there  is  no  work  into 
which  nobleness  may  not  come,  no  calling  that  has  not 
room  in  it  for  grace,  no  man  too  humble  to  be  God's 
child,  no  child  too  low  to  be  God's  friend. — Amen. 

George  Damson  (1821-1876) 


171 

CJ)e  parable  of  tfte  Pounli0 

/W  NOBLEMAN  once  went  to  a  distant  country  to 
^*^  receive  his  appointment  to  a  Kingdom  and  then  re- 
turn. He  called  ten  of  his  servants  and  gave  them  ten 
pounds  each,  and  told  them  to  trade  with  them  during 
his  absence.  On  his  return,  after  having  been  appointed 
King,  he  directed  that  the  servants  to  whom  he  had  given 
his  money  should  be  summoned,  so  that  he  might  learn 
what  amount  of  trade  they  had  done.  The  first  came 
up,  and  said,  "Sir,  your  ten  pounds  have  made  a  hun- 
dred." "Well  done,  good  servant!"  exclaimed  the  mas- 
ter. "As  you  have  proved  trustworthy  in  a  very  small 
matter,  I  appoint  you  governor  over  ten  towns."  When 
the  second  came,  he  said,  "Your  ten  pounds.  Sir,  have 
produced  fifty."  So  the  master  said  to  him  "And  you 
I  appoint  over  five  towns."  Another  servant  also  came 
and  said  "Sir,  here  are  your  ten  pounds;  I  have  kept 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  30*7 

them  put  away  in  a  handkerchief.  For  I  was  afraid  of 
you,  because  you  are  a  stem  man.  You  take  what  you 
have  not  planted^  and  reap  what  you  have  not  sown." 
The  master  answered  "Out  of  your  own  mouth  I  judge 
you,  you  worthless  servant.  You  knew  that  I  am  a  stern 
man,  that  I  take  what  I  have  not  planted,  and  reap  what 
I  have  not  sown?  Then  why  did  not  you  put  my  money 
into  a  bank?  And  I,  on  my  return,  could  have  claimed 
it  with  interest.  Take  away  from  him  the  ten  pounds," 
he  said  to  those  standing  by,  "and  give  them  to  the  one 
who  has  the  hundred." 

"But,  Sir,"  they  interposed,  "he  has  a  hundred  pounds 
already !" 

"I  tell  you,"  he  answered,  "that,  to  him  who  has,  more 
will  be  given,  but,  from  him  who  has  nothing,  even  what 
he  has  will  be  taken  away."  * 

Luhe  19:12-26 

O  Thou  who  needest  not  to  be  entreated,  we  do  not 
ask  of  Thee  new  talents,  for  Thou  hast  given  what  Thou 
sawest  fit;  nor  do  we  entreat  Thee  to  do  for  us  what 
thou  hast  given  us  power  to  do;  but,  conscious  of  thy 
presence,  feeling  the  great  gifts  which  Thou  hast  bestowed 
upon  us,  and  the  perpetual  income  of  Thy  spirit,  we 
would  use  every  faculty  which  Thou  hast  given  for  its 
appropriate  work,  and  so  pass  from  childhood  to  man- 
hood, from  glory  to  glory,  till  Thou,  finishing  Thy  work 
with  us  here,  shall  take  us  to  Thyself,  to  pass  from  the 
greater  glory  to  the  greatest,  by  a  continual  transfigura- 

*  From  the  Twentieth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by 
Fleming  H.  Revel!  Co. 


308  Morning  Readings 

tion  of  ourselves  to  Thine  image  and  Thy  likeness.  So 
may  Thy  kingdom  come,  and  Thy  will  be  done,  on  earth 
as  it  is  in  heaven. — ^Amen. 

Theodore  Parker 

Cfte  JLitJing  Mlatet 

O  he  Cometh  to  a  city  of  Samaria,  called  Sychar, 
near  to  the  parcel  of  ground  that  Jacob  gave  to  his 
son  Joseph :  and  Jacob's  well  was  there.  Jesus  therefore, 
being  wearied  with  his  journey,  sat  thus  by  the  well.  It 
was  about  the  sixth  hour.  There  cometh  a  woman  of 
Samaria  to  draw  water:  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Give  me 
to  drink.  For  his  disciples  were  gone  away  into  the  city 
to  buy  food.  The  Samaritan  woman  therefore  saith  unto 
him.  How  is  it  that  thou,  being  a  Jew,  askest  drink  of 
me,  who  am  a  Samaritan  woman .^^  (For  Jews  have  no 
dealings  with  Samaritans.)  Jesus  answered  and  said 
unto  her,  If  thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,  and  who  it  is 
that  saith  to  thee.  Give  me  to  drink ;  thou  wouldest  have 
asked  of  him,  and  he  would  have  given  thee  living  water. 
The  woman  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  thou  hast  nothing  to  draw 
with,  and  the  well  is  deep:  whence  then  hast  thou  that 
living  water.''  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her.  Every 
one  that  drinketh  of  this  water  shall  thirst  again:  but 
whosoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him 
shall  never  thirst;  but  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him 
shall  become  in  him  a  well  of  water  springing  up  unto 
eternal  life.  The  woman  saith  unto  him.  Sir,  I  perceive 
that  thou  art  a  prophet.     Our  fathers  worshipped  in  this 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  309 


mountain;  and  je  say,  that  in  Jerusalem  is  the  place 
where  men  ought  to  worship.  Jesus  saith  unto  her, 
Woman,  believe  me,  the  hour  cometh,  when  neither  in  this 
mountain,  nor  in  Jerusalem,  shall  ye  worship  the  Father. 
But  the  hour  cometh,  and  now  is,  when  the  true  wor- 
shippers shall  worship  the  Father  in  spirit  and  truth :  for 
such  doth  the  Father  seek  to  be  his  worshippers.  God 
is  a  Spirit:  and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  in 
spirit  and  truth. 

John  4:5-11,  13,  14,  19-21,  23,  24 

Infinite  Ruler  of  creation,  whose  Spirit  dwells  in  every 
world!  we  look  not  into  the  solemn  heavens  for  Thee, 
though  Thou  art  there:  we  search  not  in  the  ocean  for 
Thy  presence,  though  it  murmurs  with  Thy  voice:  we 
wait  not  for  the  wings  of  the  wind  to  bring  Thee  nigh, 
though  they  are  Thy  messengers:  for  Thou  art  in  our 
hearts,  0  God,  and  makest  Thine  abode  in  the  deep  places 
of  our  thought  and  love;  and  into  each  gentle  affection, 
each  contrite  sorrow,  each  higher  aspiration  we  would 
retire  to  meet  and  worship  Thee. — ^Amen. 

James  Martineau  (1805-1900) 

173 

C6e  example  of  J^umilitp 

^^OW  before  the  feast  of  the  passover,  Jesus  knowing 
J'Athat  his  hour  was  come  that  he  should  depart  out 
of  this  world  unto  the  Father,  having  loved  his  own  that 
were  in  the  world,  he  loved  them  unto  the  end.  Jesus, 
knowing  that  the  Father  had  given  all  things  into  his 


310  Morning  Readings 

hands,  and  that  he  came  forth  from  God,  and  goeth  unto 
God,  riseth  from  supper,  and  layeth  aside  his  garments; 
and  he  took  a  towel,  and  girded  himself.  Then  he  pour- 
eth  water  into  a  basin,  and  began  to  wash  the  disciples' 
feet,  and  to  wipe  them  with  the  towel  wherewith  he  was 
girded.  So  he  cometh  to  Simon  Peter.  He  saith  unto 
him,  Lord,  dost  thou  wash  my  feet?  Jesus  answered  and 
said  unto  him.  What  I  do  thou  knowest  not  now;  but 
thou  shalt  understand  hereafter. 

So  when  he  had  washed  their  feet,  and  taken  his  gar- 
ments, and  sat  down  again,  he  said  unto  them.  Know  ye 
what  I  have  done  to  you?  Ye  call  me,  Teacher,  and. 
Lord :  and  ye  say  well ;  for  so  I  am.  If  I  then,  the  Lord 
and  the  Teacher,  have  washed  your  feet,  ye  also  ought  to 
wash  one  another's^  feet.  For  I  have  given  you  an  exam- 
ple, that  ye  also  should  do  as  I  have  done  to  you.  Verily, 
verily,  I  say  unto  you,  A  servant  is  not  greater  than  his 
lord;  neither  one  that  is  sent  greater  than  he  that  sent 
him.    If  ye  know  these  things,  blessed  are  ye  if  ye  do  them. 

John  13:1,  3-7,  12-17 

O  Lord,  our  Guide  even  unto  death,  grant  us,  we  pray 
Thee,  grace  to  follow  Thee  whithersoever  Thou  goest.  In 
little  daily  duties  to  which  Thou  callest  us,  bow  down  our 
wills  to  simple  obedience,  patience  under  pain  or  provoca- 
tion, strict  truthfulness  of  word  and  manner,  humility, 
kindness:  in  great  acts  of  duty  or  perfection  if  Thou 
shouldest  call  us  to  them,  uplift  us  to  self-sacrifice,  heroic 
courage,  laying  down  of  life  for  Thy  Truth's  sake  or  for 
a  brother. — ^Amen. 

Christina  G.  Rossetti  (1830-1894) 


Discourses  and  Parables  of  Jesus  311 

174 

Cfte  CommanDmem  of  Lotie 

Jlf^HIS  is  my  commandment,  that  ye  love  one  another, 
^^even  as  I  have  loved  you.  Greater  love  hath  no  man 
than  this,  that  a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  friends. 
Ye  are  my  friends,  if  ye  do  the  things  which  I  command 
you.  No  longer  do  I  call  you  servants;  for  the  servant 
knoweth  not  what  his  lord  doeth:  but  I  have  called  you 
friends;  for  all  things  that  I  heard  from  my  Father  I 
have  made  known  unto  you.  Ye  did  not  choose  me,  but 
I  chose  you,  and  appointed  you,  that  ye  should  go  and 
bear  fruit,  and  that  your  fruit  should  abide :  that  whatso- 
ever ye  shall  ask  of  the  Father  in  my  name,  he  may  give 
it  you.  These  things  I  command  you,  that  ye  may  love 
one  another. 

John  15 :12-17 

O  God  of  love,  O  Giver  of  concord,  Who  hast  given 
one  counsel  for  our  profit,  with  a  new  commandment, 
that  we  should  love  one  another  even  as  Thou  didst  love 
us,  the  unworthy  and  the  wandering ;  we  pray  Thee,  Lord, 
give  to  us  Thy  servants,  in  all  time  of  our  life  on  earth, 
a  mind  forgetful  of  past  ill-will,  a  pure  conscience  and 
sincere  thoughts,  and  a  heart  to  love  our  brethren. — 
Amen. 

St.  Gregory/  Theologus 


VII 

Hettcrg  ^nb  ^cacijingsi  0t  ^Ije  ^postlcg 


175 

Paur0  g)ermon  on  9^ar'0  l^ill 

/WND  Paul  stood  in  the  midst  of  the  Areopagus,  and 
<*51'said, 

Ye  men  of  Athens,  in  all  things  I  perceive  that  ye  are 
very  religious.  For  as  I  passed  along,  and  observed 
the  objects  of  your  worship,  I  found  also  an  altar  with 
this  inscription.  To  an  Unknown  God.  What  therefore 
ye  worship  in  ignorance,  this  I  set  forth  unto  you.  The 
God  that  made  the  world  and  all  things  therein,  he,  be- 
ing Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temple 
made  with  hands ;  neither  is  he  served  by  men's  hands,  as 
though  he  needed  anything,  seeing  he  himself  giveth  to 
all  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things;  and  he  made  of  one 
every  nation  of  men  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  earth, 
having  determined  their  appointed  seasons,  and  the 
bounds  of  their  habitation ;  that  they  should  seek  God,  if 
haply  they  might  feel  after  him  and  find  him,  though  he 
is  not  far  from  each  one  of  us:  for  in  him  we  live,  and 
move,  and  have  our  being;  as  certain  even  of  your  own 
poets  have  said. 

For  we  are  also  his  offspring. 

Being  then  the  offspring  of  God,  we  ought  not  to  think 
that  the  Godhead  is  like  unto  gold,  or  silver,  or  stone, 
graven  by  art  and  device  of  man.  The  times  of  igno- 
rance therefore  God  overlooked ;  but  now  he  commandeth 

315 


316  Morning  Readings 

men  that  they  should  all  everywhere  repent:  inasmuch 
as  he  hath  appointed  a  day  in  which  he  will  judge  the 
world  in  righteousness  by  the  man  whom  he  hath  or- 
dained. 

Acts  17:22-31 

The  breath  of  every  living  being  shall  bless  Thy  name, 
O  Lord  our  God,  and  the  spirit  of  all  flesh  shall  con- 
tinually glorify  and  exalt  Thy  memorial,  O  our  King; 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting  Thou  art  God ;  and  beside 
Thee  we  have  no  King  who  redeemeth  and  saveth,  setteth 
free  and  delivereth,  who  supporteth  and  hath  mercy  in 
all  times  of  trouble  and  distress ;  yea,  we  have  no  King 
but  Thee.  He  is  God  of  the  first  and  of  the  last,  the 
God  of  all  creatures,  the  Lord  of  all  generations,  who  is 
extolled  with  many  praises,  and  guideth  His  world  with 
lovingkindness  and  His  creatures  with  tender  mercies. — 
Amen. 

Jewish  Prayer  Book 

176 

3  ENTREAT  you,  then,  Brothers,  by  the  mercies  of 
God,  to  offer  your  bodies  as  a  living  and  holy  sac- 
rifice, acceptable  to  God,  for  this  is  your  rational  wor- 
ship. Do  not  conform  to  the  fashion  of  this  world;  but 
be  transformed  by  the  complete  change  that  has  come 
over  your  minds,  so  that  you  may  discern  what  God's 
will  is — all  that  is  good,  acceptable,  and  perfect. 


Letters  and  Teachmgs  of  the  Apostles  817 

In  fulfilment  of  the  charge  with  which  I  have  been  en- 
trusted, I  bid  every  one  of  you  not  to  think  more  highly 
of  himself  than  he  ought  to  think,  but  to  think  till  he 
learns  to  think  soberly — in  accordance  with  the  measure 
of  faith  that  God  has  allotted  to  each. 

Since  our  gifts  differ  in  accordance  with  the  particu- 
lar charge  entrusted  to  us,  if  our  gift  is  to  preach,  let 
our  preaching  correspond  to  our  faith;  if  it  is  to  min- 
ister to  others,  let  us  devote  ourselves  to  our  ministry; 
the  teacher  to  his  teaching,  the  speaker  to  his  exhorta- 
tion. Let  the  man  who  gives  in  charity  do  so  with  a  gen- 
erous heart;  let  him  who  is  in  authority  exercise  due 
diligence;  let  him  who  shows  kindness  do  so  in  a  cheer- 
ful spirit.  Let  your  love  be  sincere.  Hate  the  wrong; 
cling  to  the  right.  In  brotherly  love,  be  affectionate  to 
one  another;  in  showing  respect,  set  an  example  of  defer- 
ence to  one  another;  never  flagging  in  zeal;  fervent  in 
spirit ;  serving  the  Master. 

Bless  your  persecutors — bless  and  never  curse.  Re- 
joice with  those  who  are  rejoicing,  and  weep  with  those 
who  are  weeping.  Let  the  same  spirit  of  sympathy  ani- 
mate you  all,  not  a  spirit  of  pride;  be  glad  to  associ- 
ate with  the  lowly.  Do  not  think  too  highly  of  your- 
selves. Never  return  injury  for  injury.  Aim  at  doing 
what  all  men  will  recognize  as  honorable.  If  it  is  pos- 
sible, as  far  as  rests  with  you,  live  peaceably  with  every 
one.  Never  avenge  yourselves,  dear  friends,  but  make 
way  for  the  Wrath  of  God ;  for  Scripture  declares — 

"It  is  for  me  to  avenge,  I  will  requite,"  says  the  Lord. 
Rather — 


318  Momvng  Readings 


"If  your  enemy  is  hungry,  feed  him;  if  he  is  thirsty, 
give  him  to  drink.  By  doing  this  you  will  heap  coals  of 
fire  upon  his  head." 

Never  be  conquered  by  evil,  but  conquer  evil  with  good.* 

Romans  12:1-3,  14-21 

O  thou  who  hast  directed  us  to  overcome  evil  with 
good,  and  hast  expressly  commanded  our  prayers  for 
them  that  persecute  us,  and  despitefully  use  us,  all  that 
have  hated  us  with  or  without  a  cause;  some  of  them 
perhaps  even  for  our  good  will,  for  speaking  distasteful 
truth,  or  doing  necessary  justice;  but,  whatever  the  oc- 
casion, or  the  offence  may  have  been,  which,  if  given  on 
our  part,  we  entreat  thee  and  them  to  forgive;  have  the 
same  mercy,  O  Lord,  on  all  our  enemies,  as  on  ourselves ; 
and  bring  them,  we  beseech  thee,  to  thy  heavenly  king- 
dom, as  we  hope  and  pray  thou  wilt  at  length  bring  us. 

The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us ;  the  Lord  make  his  face 
to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  gracious  unto  us ;  the  Lord  lift 
up  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  us,  and  give  us 
peace. — ^Amen. 

Bishop  Lancelot  Andrewes  (1555-1626) 

177 

Cfte  armor  of  Ligftt 

JlJ  ENDER  to  all  their  dues :  tribute  to  whom  tribute  is 
^'^due;  custom  to  whom  custom;  fear  to  whom  fear; 
honor  to  whom  honor. 

*  From  the  Twentieth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by 
Fleming  H.  Revell  Co. 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  319 

Owe  no  man  anything,  save  to  love  one  another:  for 
he  that  loveth  liis  neighbor  hath  fulfilled  the  law.  For 
this,  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery,  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 
Thou  shalt  not  steal.  Thou  shalt  not  covet,  and  if  there 
be  any  other  commandment,  it  is  summed  up  in  this  word, 
namely.  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  Love 
worketh  no  ill  to  his  neighbor:  love  therefore  is  the  ful- 
filment of  the  law. 

And  this,  knowing  the  season,  that  already  it  is  time 
for  you  to  awake  out  of  sleep :  for  now  is  salvation  nearer 
to  us  than  when  we  first  believed.  The  night  is  far  spent, 
and  the  day  is  at  hand :  let  us  therefore  cast  off  the  works 
of  darkness,  and  let  us  put  on  the  armor  of  light. 

Romans  13:7-12 

Kindle  in  our  hearts,  O  Divine  Master  and  Lover  of 
men,  the  pure  light  of  Thy  divine  knowledge,  and  open 
the  eyes  of  our  minds  to  the  understanding  of  Thy  Gos- 
pel. Plant  in  us  the  fear  of  Thy  blessed  commandments, 
that,  trampling  upon  all  selfish  and  sinful  desires,  we  may 
attain  to  spiritual  life,  both  thinking  and  doing  all 
things  according  to  Thy  Word.  For  Thou  art  the  illu- 
mination of  our  souls,  and  to  Thee  we  ascribe  the  glory 
forever. — ^Amen. 

Dayhreak  Office  of  the  Eastern  Church 


SW  Morning  Readings 

178 

l|P|  NE  man  hath  faith  to  eat  all  things :  but  he  that  is 
^^l^weak  eateth  herbs.  Let  not  him  that  eateth  set  at 
nought  him  that  eateth  not ;  and  let  not  him  that  eateth 
not  judge  him  that  eateth:  for  God  hath  received  him. 
Who  art  thou  that  judgest  the  servant  of  another?  to 
his  own  lord  he  standeth  or  falleth.  Yea,  he  shall  be 
made  to  stand;  for  the  Lord  hath  power  to  make  him 
stand.  One  man  esteemeth  one  day  above  another:  an- 
other esteemeth  every  day  alike.  Let  each  man  be  fully 
assured  in  his  own  mind.  He  that  regardeth  the  day,  re- 
gardeth  it  unto  the  Lord :  and  he  that  eateth,  eateth  unto 
the  Lord,  for  he  giveth  God  thanks ;  and  he  that  eateth 
not,  unto  the  Lord  he  eateth  not,  and  giveth  God  thanks. 
For  none  of  us  liveth  to  himself,  and  none  dieth  to  him- 
self. For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the  Lord;  or 
whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord:  whether  we  live 
therefore,  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's. 

Let  us  not  therefore  judge  one  another  any  more:  but 
judge  ye  this  rather,  that  no  man  put  a  stumblingblock 
in  his  brother's  way,  or  an  occasion  of  falling. 

So  then  let  us  follow  after  things  which  make  for  peace, 
and  things  whereby  we  may  edify  one  another.  Over- 
throw not  for  meat's  sake  the  work  of  God.  All  things 
indeed  are  clean ;  howbeit  it  is  evil  for  that  man  who  eat- 
eth with  offence.  It  is  good  not  to  eat  flesh,  nor  to  drink 
wine,  nor  to  do  anything  whereby  thy  brother  stumbleth. 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  321 

The  faith  which  thou  hast,  have  thou  to  thyself  before 
God.  Happy  is  he  that  judgeth  not  himself  in  that 
which  he  approveth. 

Romans  14:2-8,  13,  19-22 

O  Thou  searcher  of  hearts,  by  whom  alone  actions 
and  words  and  thoughts  are  justly  weighed,  keep  far  from 
us  all  disposition  to  judge  and  censure  our  brethren. 
Standing  in  constant  need  of  Thy  forgiveness,  may  we 
not  deprive  ourselves  of  the  appeal  to  Thy  mercy  by 
uncharitably  judging  our  fellow-men;  but,  in  our  con- 
duct to  each  other,  let  mercy  still  rejoice  against  judg- 
ment, as  we  pray  that  it  may  do  when  we  stand  before 
Thy  awful  tribunal. — ^Amen. 

Martmeau^s  Service  Book 


179 

Cfie  TSoDiIp  Cemple 

NOW  ye  not  that  your  body  is  a  temple  of  the 
'Holy  Spirit  which  is  in  you,  which  ye  have  from 
God?  and  ye  are  not  your  own;  for  ye  were  bought  with 
a  price:  glorify  God  therefore  in  your  body. 

Know  ye  not  that  they  that  run  in  a  race  run  all,  but 
one  receiveth  the  prize?  Even  so  run;  that  ye  may  at- 
tain. And  every  man  that  striveth  in  the  games  exer- 
ciseth  self-control  in  all  things.  Now  they  do  it  to  re- 
ceive a  corruptible  crown;  but  we  an  incorruptible.  I 
therefore  so  run,  as  not  uncertainly;  so  fight  I,  as  not 


S22  Morning  Readings 

beating  the  air:  but  I  buffet  my  body,  and  bring  it  into 
bondage:  lest  by  any  means,  after  that  I  have  preached 
to  others,  I  myself  should  be  rejected. 

Wherefore  let  him  that  thinketh  he  standeth  take  heed 
lest  he  fall.  Whether  therefore  ye  eat,  or  drink,  or  what- 
soever ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God.  Give  no  oc- 
casion of  stumbling,  either  to  Jews,  or  to  Greeks,  or  to 
the  church  of  God:  even  as  I  also  please  all  men  in  all 
things,  not  seeking  mine  own  profit,  but  the  profit  of  the 
many,  that  they  may  be  saved. 

/  Corinthians  6:19,  20;  9:24-27;  10:12,  31-33 

O  God,  grant  unto  us  that  we  be  not  unwise,  but  un- 
derstanding Thy  will:  not  slothful,  but  diligent  in  Thy 
work:  that  we  run  not  as  uncertainty,  nor  fight  thy  bat- 
tles as  those  that  beat  the  air.  Whatsoever  our  hand 
findeth  to  do,  may  we  do  it  with  our  might:  that  when 
Thou  shalt  call  Thy  laborers  to  give  them  their  reward, 
we  may  so  have  run  that  .we  may  obtain;  so  have  fought 
the  good  fight,  as  to  receive  the  crown  of  eternal  life. — 
Amen. 

Henri/  Alford  (1810-1891) 

180 

Cfte  (greatest  Cfting  m  tfte  ^otlD 

3F  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels,  but 
have  not  love,  I  am  become  sounding  brass,  or  a  clang- 
ing cymbal.  And  if  I  have  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and 
know  all  mysteries  and  all  knowledge;  and  if  I  have  all 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  323 

faith,  so  as  to  remove  mountains,  but  have  not  love,  I  am 
nothing.  And  if  I  bestow  all  mj  goods  to  feed  the  poor, 
and  if  I  give  my  body  to  be  burned,  but  have  not  love, 
it  profiteth  me  nothing.  Love  suffereth  long,  and  is 
kind ;  love  envieth  not ;  love  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not 
puffed  up,  doth  not  behave  itself  unseeml}^,  seeketh  not 
its  o^vn,  is  not  provoked,  taketh  not  account  of  evil;  re- 
joiceth  not  in  unrighteousness,  but  rejoiceth  with  the 
truth;  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all 
things,  endureth  all  things.  Love  never  faileth:  but 
whether  there  he  prophecies,  the}^  shall  be  done  away ; 
whether  there  he  tongues,  they  shall  cease ;  whether  there 
he  knowledge,  it  shall  be  done  away.  For  we  know  in 
part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part;  but  when  that  which  is 
perfect  is  come,  that  which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away. 
When  I  was  a  child,  I  spake  as  a  child,  I  felt  as  a  child, 
I  thought  as  a  child:  now  that  I  am  become  a  man,  I 
have  put  away  childish  things.  For  now  we  see  in  a 
mirror,  darkly;  but  then  face  to  face:  now  I  know  in 
part ;  but  then  shall  I  know  fully  even  as  also  I  was  fully 
kno^Ti.  But  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  love,  these  three; 
and  the  greatest  of  these  is  love. 

/  Corinthians  13:1-13 

O  God  of  love,  and  giver  of  concord,  who  hast  given 
us  counsel  for  our  profit,  with  a  blessed  commandment  to 
love  one  another,  even  as  Thou  lovest  us,  the  unworthy 
and  the  wandering,  and  givest  us  the  power  of  return- 
ing to  life  and  salvation ;  we  pray  Thee,  Lord,  give  Thy 
servants,  in  all  time  of  our  life  on  earth  (but  especially 
now),  a  mind  forgetful  of  past  ill  will,  a  pure  conscience, 


324<  Morning  Readings 

and  sincere  thoughts,  and  a  heart  to  love  our  brethren. 
— ^Amen. 

Rowland  WUliams  (1817-1870) 

181 

Cfte  JFinal  l^ictotg 

3F  after  the  manner  of  men  I  fought  with  beasts  at 
Ephesus,  what  doth  it  profit  me?  If  the  dead  are 
not  raised,  let  us  eat  and  drink,  for  to-morrow  we  die. 
Be  not  deceived:  Evil  companionships  corrupt  good  mor- 
als. Awake  to  soberness  righteously,  and  sin  not;  for 
some  have  no  knowledge  of  God :  I  speak  this  to  move  you 
to  shame. 

But  some  one  will  say.  How  are  the  dead  raised?  and 
with  what  manner  of  body  do  they  come?  Thou  foolish 
one,  that  which  thou  thyself  sowest  is  not  quickened  ex- 
cept it  die:  and  that  which  thou  sowest,  thou  sowest  not 
the  body  that  shall  be,  but  a  bare  grain,  it  may  chance 
of  wheat,  or  of  some  other  kind;  but  God  giveth  it  a 
body  even  as  it  pleased  him,  and  to  each  seed  a  body  of 
its  own. 

So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  is  sown 
in  corruption;  it  is  raised  in  incorruption :  it  is  sown  in 
dishonor;  it  is  raised  in  glory:  it  is  sown  in  weakness; 
it  is  raised  in  power:  it  is  sown  a  natural  body;  it  is 
raised  a  spiritual  body.  If  there  is  a  natural  body,  there 
is  also  a  spiritual  bodi/. 

But  when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incorrup- 
tion, and  this  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  325 

shall  come  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death  is 
swallowed  up  in  victory.  O  death,  where  is  thy  vic- 
tory? O  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  The  sting  of  death 
is  sin ;  and  the  power  of  sin  is  the  law :  but  thanks  be  to 
God,  who  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Wherefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  stedfast, 
unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
forasmuch  as  ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  vain  in 
the  Lord. 

/  CormtUans  15:32-38,  42-44,  54-58 

O  Lord  our  God,  keep  us  from  all  darkness  except 
such  as  our  own  foolishness  brings  over  us.  Let  us  re- 
member that  there  is  no  darkness  with  Thee.  Let  us 
have  but  one  thing  to  be  afraid  of — the  death  of  the 
spirit.  Let  there  be  but  one  thing  that  we  shrink  from 
— unlovingness  towards  Thee  and  our  brother.  And 
when  the  storm  is  loud,  and  the  night  is  dark,  and  the 
soul  is  sad,  and  the  heart  oppressed ;  then,  as  weary  trav- 
elers, may  we  look  to  Thee;  and  beholding  the  light  of 
Thy  love,  may  it  bear  us  on,  until  we  learn  to  sing  Thy 
song  in  the  night.  And  when  the  last  chill  stream  of 
death  shall  be  crossed,  grant  that  ours  may  be  the  De- 
lectable Mountains,  the  company  of  faithful  souls,  the 
eternal  years,  the  everlasting  life.  Of  Thy  great  mercy 
hear  our  supplications. — Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


326  Morning  Readings 


182 

Cl)e  Cfteetful  ©itier 

PUT  this  /  say,  He  that  soweth  sparingly  shall  reap 
also  sparingly;  and  he  that  soweth  bountifully  shall 
reap  also  bountifully.  Let  each  man  do  according  as 
he  hath  purposed  in  his  heart:  not  grudgingly,  or  of 
necessity:  for  God  loveth  a  cheerful  giver.  And  God 
is  able  to  make  all  grace  abound  unto  you;  that  ye,  hav- 
ing always  all  sufficiency  in  everything,  may  abound  unto 
every  good  work :  as  it  is  written, 

He  hath  scattered  abroad,  he  hath  given  to  the  poor ; 

His  righteousness  abideth  for  ever. 

And  he  that  supplieth  seed  to  the  sower  and  bread 
for  food,  shall  supply  and  multiply  your  seed  for  sow- 
ing, and  increase  the  fruits  of  your  righteousness:  ye 
being  enriched  in  everything  unto  all  liberality,  which 
worketh  through  us  thanksgiving  to  God. 

II  Corinthians  9:6-11 

Almighty  God,  giver  of  the  seed  and  of  the  soil ;  of  the 
word  and  of  the  understanding;  of  the  heavenly  life  and 
the  earthly  vessel;  teach  us  the  good  husbandry  of  the 
heart,  so  that  thy  precious  word  may  bring  forth  fruit; 
and  that  we,  having  the  conditions  of  spiritual  readiness 
to  receive  the  water  of  life,  may  thereby  be  refreshed 
for  our  daily  life  and  filled  at  last  for  the  life  eternal. — 
Amen. 

George  Dawson  (1821-1876) 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  327 

183 

@)Otoing  Onto  tfte  Spirit 

INCE  our  Life  is  due  to  the  Spirit,  let  us  rule  our 
conduct  also  by  the  Spirit.  Do  not  let  us  grow  vain, 
and  provoke  or  envy  one  another.  Brothers,  even  if  a 
man  should  be  caught  committing  a  sin,  you  who  are 
spiritually  minded  should,  in  a  gentle  spirit,  help  him  to 
recover  himself,  taking  care  lest  any  one  of  you  also 
should  be  tempted.  Bear  one  another's  burdens,  and  so 
carry  out  the  Law  of  the  Christ.  If  a  man  imagines  him- 
self to  be  somebody,  when  he  is  really  nobody,  he  deceives 
himself.  Let  every  one  test  his  own  work,  and  then  his 
cause  for  satisfaction  will  be  in  himself  and  not  in  a  com- 
parison of  himself  with  his  neighbor;  for  every  one  must 
bear  his  own  load.  He,  however,  who  is  being  instructed 
in  the  Message  ought  always  to  share  his  blessings  with 
the  man  who  instructs  him. 

Do  not  be  deceived.  God  cannot  be  mocked.  What 
a  man  sows  that  he  will  reap.  For  he  who  sows  the  field 
of  his  earthly  nature  will  from  that  earthly  nature  reap 
corruption;  while  he  who  sows  the  field  of  the  spirit  will 
from  that  spirit  reap  Immortal  Life.  Let  us  never  tire 
of  doing  right,  for  at  the  proper  season  we  shall  reap 
our  harvest,  if  we  do  not  grow  weary.  Therefore,  I  say, 
as  the  opportunity  occurs,  let  us  treat  every  one  with 
kindness,  and  especially  members  of  the  Household  of 
the  Faith.* 

Galatians  b:9.^\  6:1-10 

*  From  the  Twentieth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by 
Fleming  H.  Revell  Co. 


Mommg  Readings 


Accomplish  Thy  perfect  work  in  our  souls,  O  Father; 
let  us  become  day  by  day  purer,  freer,  more  heavenly, 
more  happ}',  and  preserve  us  unto  eternal  life.  Bless, 
animate,  and  sustain  us,  and  raise  us  mightily  above  all 
that  would  distract  us,  to  Thyself  and  the  consciousness 
of  Thy  fellowship  which  gives  joy  to  all  who  dwell 
therein.  As  yet  we  are  bound  with  many  chains ;  we 
tarry  among  things  seen  and  temporal,  and  feel  their 
oppression;  we  are  exposed  to  the  storms  of  the  outer 
world,  and  are  wrestling  with  its  ills.  But  we  are  not 
dismayed,  for  we  are  more  than  earth  and  dust,  we  are 
akin  to  Thee,  O  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  and  can  experience 
Thy  heavenly  influence.  Unite  us  ever  more  closely  to 
the  company  of  faithful  hearts  whom  Thou  art  sanctify- 
ing and  preparing  for  heaven;  fill  us  with  their  faith 
and  love  and  hope. — Amen. 

D.  R.  Remhard  (1753-1812) 

184 

Paur0  90e00age  to  tfte  (!Epl)e0ian0 

MHEREFORE,  putting  away  falsehood,  speak  ye 
truth  each  one  with  his  neighbor :  for  we  are  mem- 
bers one  of  another.  Be  ye  angry,  and  sin  not:  let  not 
the  sun  go  down  upon  your  wrath:  neither  give  place  to 
the  devil.  Let  him  that  stole  steal  no  more:  but  rather 
let  him  labor,  working  with  his  hands  the  thing  that  is 
good,  that  he  may  have  whereof  to  give  to  him  that  hath 
need.     Let  no  corrupt  speech  proceed  out  of  your  mouth, 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  329 

but  such  as  is  good  for  edifying  as  the  need  may  be,  that 
it  may  give  grace  to  them  that  hear.  And  grieve  not 
the  Holy  Spirit  of  God,  in  whom  ye  were  sealed  unto  the 
day  of  redemption.  Let  no  man  deceive  you  with  empty 
words:  for  because  of  these  tilings  cometh  the  wrath  of 
God  upon  the  sons  of  disobedience.  Be  not  ye  therefore 
partakers  with  them;  for  ye  were  once  darkness,  but  are 
now  light  in  the  Lord:  walk  as  children  of  light  (for  the 
fruit  of  the  light  is  in  all  goodness  and  righteousness  and 
truth),  proving  what  is  well-pleasing  unto  the  Lord;  and 
have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness, 
but  rather  even  reprove  them;  for  the  things  which  are 
done  by  them  in  secret  it  is  a  shame  even  to  speak  of. 
But  all  things  when  they  are  reproved  are  made  manifest 
by  the  light :  for  ever^^thing  that  is  made  manifest  is  light. 
Look  therefore  carefully  how  ye  walk,  not  as  unwise, 
but  as  wise ;  redeeming  the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil. 
Wherefore  be  ye  not  foolish,  but  understand  what  the  will 
of  the  Lord  is.  And  be  not  diTinken  with  wine,  wherein 
is  riot,  but  be  filled  with  the  Spirit ;  speaking  one  to  an- 
other in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing 
and  making  melody  with  3^our  heart  to  the  Lord. 

Ephesians  4:25-30;  5:6-13,  15-19 

May  the  best  of  our  thoughts,  and  the  best  of  our  lives, 
and  the  best  of  our  time,  be  surrendered  freely  to  Thee. 
Let  us  trust  in  Thee  in  everything;  let  us  see  Thy  faith- 
fulness in  every  event  in  our  chequered  and  changing  his- 
tories. 

Be  Thou  with  us  throughout  this  day;  sanctify  all  its 


330  Morning  Readings 

duties ;  go  with  us  where  we  go,  dwell  with  us  where  we 
dwell ;  may  we  pitch  our  tent  ever  near  Thyself,  and  then 
we  shall  be  safe. — ^Amen. 

John  R.  MacDuff 

185 

Co  tfte  aBpl)e0ian0— ContinueD 

CHILDREN,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord:  for  this 
is  right.  Honor  thy  father  and  mother  (which  is  the 
first  commandment  with  promise),  that  it  may  be  well 
with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live  long  on  the  earth.  And, 
ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to  wrath :  but  nur- 
ture them  in  the  chastening  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Servants,  be  obedient  unto  them  that  according  to  the 
flesh  are  your  masters,  with  fear  and  trembling,  in  sin- 
gleness of  your  heart,  not  in  the  way  of  eye-service,  as 
men-pleasers ;  but  with  good  will  doing  service,  as  unto 
the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men:  knowing  that  whatsoever 
good  thing  each  one  doeth,  the  same  shall  he  receive  again 
from  the  Lord,  whether  he  he  bond  or  free.  And,  ye 
masters,  do  the  same  things  unto  them,  and  forbear 
threatening:  knowing  that  he  who  is  both  their  Master 
and  yours  is  in  heaven,  and  there  is  no  respect  of  per- 
sons with  him. 

Finally,  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  strength  of 
his  might.  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God,  that  ye  may 
be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil,  with  all 
prayer  and  supplication  praying  at  all  seasons  in  the 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  331 

Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  in  all  perseverance  and 
supplication  for  all  the  saints. 

Ephesians  6:1-5,  7-11,  18 

Help  us  to  find  our  chief  delight  in  work,  wherein  we 
join  our  hand,  our  brain,  our  heart  to  Thy  power.  Thy 
laws,  Thy  love.  May  we  choose  that  task  which  most 
taxes  our  highest  powers,  and  best  serves  the  world's 
deepest  need.  May  we  do  it  with  such  skill,  such  thor- 
oughness, such  joy,  that  it  shall  have  about  it  the 
strength  of  the  mountains,  the  freedom  of  the  streams, 
the  gladness  of  the  sunshine,  the  fertility  of  the  fields,  the 
beauty  of  the  stars  and  flowers.  Thus  may  we  become 
not  a  mere  creature  but  a  creator;  not  one  of  Thy  works, 
but  one  of  Thy  co-workers. 

Help  us  to  do  good,  full-measured  work,  when  poor, 
scant  work  brings  equal  pay.  May  we  give  a  full  equiva- 
lent for  all  we  take;  add  to  the  world's  wealth  as  much 
as  we  consume;  and  be  sound  members  of  the  economic 
order.  May  we  be  fair  to  our  employer,  whether  he 
treats  us  well  or  ill;  considerate  to  our  employees, 
whether  they  love  or  hate  us ;  loyal  to  our  fellow-work- 
men whether  they  stand  by  us  or  not;  just  to  those  re- 
mote consumers  of  our  product  who  will  never  know  to 
whose  honesty  and  honor  they  owe  the  sound  quality  of 
the  goods  we  make  and  the  services  we  render  them. — 
Amen.* 

William  Be  Witt  Hyde 

*  From  Abba  Father,  by  William  De  Witt  Hyde.  Copyright,  1908, 
by  Fleming  H.  Reveil  Company. 


332  Mornmg  Readings 

186 

Paur0  9^e00age  to  tfte  Pftilippians 

O  then,  my  beloved,  even  as  ye  have  always  obeyed, 
not  as  in  my  presence  only,  but  now  much  more  in  my 
absence,  work  out  your  own  salvation  with  fear  and  trem- 
bling; for  it  is  God  who  worketh  in  you  both  to  will  and 
to  work,  for  his  good  pleasure.  Do  all  things  without 
murmurings  and  questionings ;  that  ye  may  become  blame- 
less and  harmless,  children  of  God  without  blemish  in  the 
midst  of  a  crooked  and  perverse  generation,  among  whom 
ye  are  seen  as  lights  in  the  world,  holding  forth  the  word 
of  life ;  that  I  may  have  whereof  to  glory,  that  I  did  not 
run  in  vain  neither  labor  in  vain.  Yea,  and  if  I  am  of- 
fered upon  the  sacrifice  and  service  of  your  faith,  I  joy, 
and  rejoice  with  you  all:  and  in  the  same  manner  do  ye 
also  joy,  and  rejoice  with  me. 

Finally,  brethren,  whatsoever  things  are  true,  what- 
soever things  are  honorable,  whatsoever  things  are  just, 
whatsoever  things  are  pure,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely, 
whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report;  if  there  be  any 
virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise,  think  on  these  things. 
The  things  which  ye  both  learned  and  received  and  heard 
and  saw  in  me,  these  things  do :  and  the  God  of  peace  shall 
be  with  you. 

Philippians  2:12-18;  4:8,  9 

0  God,  whose  mercy  reacheth  unto  the  heavens,  and 
Thy  righteousness  unto  the  clouds,  teach  us  to  abhor 


Letters  and  Teachmgs  of  tlie  Apostles 

everything  which  is  evil,  and  to  set  ourselves  in  every  good 
way;  that,  our  trust  being  under  the  shadow  of  Thy 
wings,  we  may  rejoice  in  Thy  loving-kindness  all  the  days 
of  our  life;  and  at  last  may  be  satisfied  with  the  plente- 
ousness  of  Thy  house,  and  in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance 
may  see  everlasting  light. — Amen. 

Jeremy  Taylor  (1613-1667) 

187 

ET  your  mind  on  the  things  that  are  above,  not  on 
the  things  that  are  upon  the  earth.  But  now  do  ye 
also  put  them  all  away;  anger,  wrath,  malice,  railing, 
shameful  speaking  out  of  your  mouth:  lie  not  one  to 
another;  seeing  that  ye  have  put  off  the  old  man  with 
his  doings,  and  have  put  on  the  new  man,  that  is  being 
renewed  unto  knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that  cre- 
ated him:  and  above  all  these  things  put  on  love,  which 
is  the  bond  of  perfectness. 

Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all  things,  for  this  is 
well-pleasing  in  the  Lord.  Fathers,  provoke  not  your 
children,  that  they  be  not  discouraged.  Servants,  obey 
in  all  things  them  that  are  your  masters  according  to 
the  flesh;  not  with  eye-service,  as  men-pleasers,  but  in 
singleness  of  heart,  fearing  the  Lord:  whatsoever  ye  do, 
work  heartily,  as  unto  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men ;  know- 
ing that  from  the  Lord  ye  shall  receive  the  recompense 
of  the  inheritance.     For  he  that  doeth  wrong  shall  re- 


334  Morning  Readings 

ceive  again  for  the  wrong  that  he  hath  done :  and  there  is 
no  respect  of  persons. 

Colossians  3:2,  8-10,  14,  20-25 

O  thou  to  whom  time  and  eternity  are  one !  where  our 
treasure  is,  there  let  our  heart  be  also.  Set  our  affec- 
tions on  things  above,  where  our  real  life  is  hid  with 
thee.  Filled  with  the  everlasting  light,  may  we  look  on 
each  other,  and  on  our  work  below,  and  on  the  strife 
and  sorrows  of  humanity,  with  a  love  and  hope  that  are 
not  of  this  world.   .  .  . 

Enlarge  our  souls  with  a  divine  charity,  that,  reviled, 
we  may  not  revile  again;  that  we  may  hope  all  things, 
believe  all  things,  endure  all  things ;  and  become  mes- 
sengers of  thy  healing  mercy  to  the  grievances  and  in- 
firmities of  men.  In  all  things  attune  our  hearts  to  the 
holiness  and  harmony  of  thy  kingdom.  And  hasten  the 
time  when  that  kingdom  shall  come  and  thy  will  be  done 
on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. — Amen. 

James  Martmeau  (1805-1900) 

188 

Crue  Elicl)e0 

3J2^'^  godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain :  for  we 
?^ brought  nothing  into  the  world,  for  neither  can  we 
carry  anything  out;  but  having  food  and  covering  we 
shall  be  therewith  content.  But  they  that  are  minded  to 
be  rich  fall  into  a  temptation  and  a  snare  and  many  fool- 
ish and  hurtful  lusts,  such  as  drown  men  in  destruction 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  335 

and  perdition.  For  the  love  of  money  is  a  root  of  all 
kinds  of  evil:  wliich  some  reaching  after  have  been  led 
astray  from  the  faith,  and  have  pierced  themselves 
through  with  many  sorrows. 

But  thou,  O  man  of  God,  flee  these  things;  and  follow 
after  righteousness,  godliness,  faith,  love,  patience,  meek- 
ness. Fight  the  good  fight  of  the  faith,  lay  hold  on  the 
life  eternal,  whereunto  thou  wast  called,  and  didst  con- 
fess the  good  confession  in  the  sight  of  m.any  witnesses. 

Charge  them  that  are  rich  in  this  present  world,  that 
they  be  not  highminded,  nor  have  their  hope  set  on  the 
uncertainty  of  riches,  but  on  God,  who  giveth  us  richly 
all  things  to  enjoy;  that  they  do  good,  that  they  be  rich 
in,  good  works,  that  they  be  ready  to  distribute,  willing 
to  communicate ;  laying  up  in  store  for  themselves  a  good 
foundation  against  the  time  to  come,  that  they  may  lay 
hold  on  the  life  which  is  life  indeed. 

I  Timothy  6:6-1^,  17-19 

O  Lord,  give  us  more  charity,  more  self-denial,  more 
likeness  to  Thee.  Teach  us  to  sacrifice  our  comforts  to 
others,  and  our  likings  for  the  sake  of  doing  good.  Make 
us  kindly  in  thought,  gentle  in  word,  generous  in  deed. 
Teach  us  that  it  is  better  to  give  than  to  receive;  better 
to  forget  ourselves  than  to  put  ourselves  forward;  bet- 
ter to  minister  than  to  be  ministered  unto.  And  unto 
Thee,  the  God  of  Love,  be  glory  and  praise  for  ever. — 
Amen. 

Heiiry  Alford  (1810-1871) 


336  Morning  Readings 

189 

Paur0  charge  to  Cimotftg 

3  SOLEMNLY  charge  you,  in  the  sight  of  God  and 
of  Christ  Jesus — I  charge  you  by  his  Appearing  and 
by  his  Kingdom: — Proclaim  the  Message,  be  ready  in 
season  and  out  of  season,  convince,  rebuke,  encourage, 
never  failing  to  instruct  with  forbearance.  For  a  time 
will  come  when  people  will  not  tolerate  sound  teaching. 
They  will  follow  their  own  wishes,  and,  in  their  itching 
for  novelty,  procure  themselves  a  crowd  of  teachers. 
They  will  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  the  Truth,  and  give  their 
attention  to  legends  instead.  But  you,  Timothy,  must 
always  be  temperate.  Face  hardships ;  do  the  work  of  a 
Missionary;  discharge  all  the  duties  of  your  Office. 

As  for  me,  my  life  blood  is  already  being  poured  out; 
the  time  of  my  departure  is  close  at  hand.  I  have  run 
the  great  Race ;  I  have  finished  the  Course ;  I  have  kept 
the  Faith.  And  now  the  crown  of  righteousness  awaits 
me,  which  the  Lord,  the  just  Judge,  will  give  me  on  "That 
Day" — and  not  only  to  me,  but  to  all  who  have  loved  his 
Appearing. 

The  Lord  will  rescue  me  from  all  evil,  and  bring  me 
safe  into  his  Heavenly  Kingdom.  All  glory  to  him  for 
ever  and  ever! — Amen.* 

//  Timo%  4:1-7,  18 

Almighty  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits  of  those 
who  depart  hence  in  the  Lord,  and  with  whom  the  souls 

*  From  the  Twentieth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by- 
Fleming  H.  ReveU  Co.  ^      f^    &    »         ,    j 


Letters  and  Teachmgs  of  the  Apostles  337 

of  the  faithful,  after  they  are  delivered  from  the  burden 
of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  felicity;  we  give  Thee  hearty 
thanks  for  the  good  examples  of  all  those  Thy  servants 
who,  having  finished  their  course  in  faith,  do  now  rest 
from  their  labors.  And  we  beseech  Thee  that  we,  with 
all  those  who  are  departed  in  the  true  faith  of  thy  holy 
Name,  may  have  our  perfect  consummation  and  bliss, 
both  in  body  and  soul,  in  Thy  eternal  and  everlasting 
glory. — Amen. 

Book  of  Common  Prayer 

190 

Paur0  ^e00age  to  Citu0 

^KO  the  pure  all  things  are  pure :  but  to  them  that  are 
^^defiled  and  unbelieving  nothing  is  pure ;  but  both  their 
mind  and  their  conscience  are  defiled.  They  profess  that 
they  know  God ;  but  by  their  works  they  deny  him,  being 
abominable,  and  disobedient,  and  unto  every  good  work 
reprobate. 

But  speak  thou  the  things  which  befit  the  sound  doc- 
trine: that  aged  men  be  temperate,  grave,  sober-minded, 
sound  in  faith,  in  love,  in  patience:  that  aged  women 
likewise  be  reverent  in  demeanor,  not  slanderers  nor  en- 
slaved to  much  wine,  teachers  of  that  which  is  good ;  that 
they  may  train  the  young  women  to  love  their  husbands, 
to  love  their  children,  to  he  sober-minded,  chaste,  workers 
at  home,  kind,  being  in  subjection  to  their  own  husbands, 
that  the  word  of  God  be  not  blasphemed:  the  younger 
men  likewise  exhort  to  be  sober-minded :  in  all  things  show- 


338  Morning  Readings 

ing  thyself  an  example  of  good  works;  in  thy  doctrine 
showing  uncorruptness,  gravity,  sound  speech,  that  can- 
not be  condemned;  that  he  that  is  of  the  contrary  part 
may  be  ashamed,  having  no  evil  thing  to  say  of  us.  Ex- 
hort servants  to  be  in  subjection  to  their  own  masters, 
and  to  be  well-pleasing  to  them  in  all  things ;  not  gain- 
saying ;  not  purloining,  but  showing  all  good  fidelity ;  that 
they  may  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all 
things. 

Titus  1:15,  16;  2:1-10 

O  Lord  God,  in  whose*hand  are  the  wills  and  affections 
of  men,  kindle  in  our  mind  holy  desires,  and  repress  sin- 
ful and  corrupt  imaginations ;  enable  us  to  love  Thy  com- 
mandments, and  to  desire  Thy  promises;  let  us,  by  Thy 
protection  and  influence,  so  pass  through  things  tem- 
poral, as  finally  not  to  lose  the  things  eternal;  and, 
among  the  hopes  and  fears,  the  pleasures  and  sorrows,  the 
dangers  and  deliverances,  and  all  the  changes  of  this  life, 
let  our  heart  be  surely  fixed,  by  the  help  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit,  on  the  everlasting  fruition  of  Thy  presence,  where 
true  joys  are  to  be  found. — Amen. 

Samuel  Johnson  (1709-1784) 

191 

jTrom  tfte  Q@e00age  to  tfte  ^eftreto^ 

TT  ET  love  of  the  brethren  continue.  Forget  not  to 
^^show  love  unto  strangers:  for  thereby  some  have  en- 
tertained angels  unawares.     Remember  them  that  are  in 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  339 

bonds,  as  bound  with  them;  them  that  are  ill-treated,  as 
being  yourselves  also  in  the  body. 

Be  ye  free  from  the  love  of  money;  content  with  such 
things  as  ye  have :  for  himself  hath  said,  I  will  in  no  wise 
fail  thee,  neither  will  I  in  any  wise  forsake  thee.  So 
that  with  good  courage  we  say, 

The  Lord  is  my  helper;  I  will  not  fear: 

What  shall  man  do  unto  me? 
Obey  them  that  have  the  rule  over  you,  and  submit  to 
them:  for  they  watch  in  behalf  of  your  souls,  as  they 
that  shall  give  account;  that  they  may  do  this  with  joy, 
and  not  with  grief :  for  this  were  unprofitable  for  you. 

Hebrews  IS  :1-S,  5,  6, 11 

O  Lord,  who  lovest  the  stranger,  defend  and  nourish, 
we  entreat  Thee,  all  sojourners  in  strange  lands  and  poor 
helpless  persons,  that  they  may  glorify  Thee  out  of  grate- 
ful hearts :  and  to  such  men  as  are  tyrannical  and  op- 
pressive give  searchings  of  spirit  and  amendment  of 
ways,  that  Thou  mayest  show  mercy  on  them  also. — 
Amen. 

Christina  G.  Rossetii  (1830-1894) 

192 

Cemptatiott 

COUNT  it  all  joy,  my  brethren,  when  ye  fall  into 
manifold  temptations;  knowing  that  the  proving  of 
your  faith  worketh  patience.  And  let  patience  have  its 
perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  perfect  and  entire,  lacking 
in  nothing. 


340  Morning  Readings 

But  if  any  of  you  lacketh  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God, 
who  giveth  to  all  liberally  and  upbraideth  not;  and  it 
shall  be  given  him.  But  let  him  ask  in  faith,  nothing 
doubting:  for  he  that  doubteth  is  like  the  surge  of  the 
sea  driven  by  the  wind  and  tossed.  For  let  not  that  man 
think  that  he  shall  receive  anything  of  the  Lord;  a 
doubleminded  man,  unstable  in  all  his  ways. 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation ;  for  when 
he  hath  been  approved,  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of  life, 
which  the  Lord  promised  to  them  that  love  him. 

Every  good  gift  and  every  perfect  gift  is  from  above, 
coming  down  from  the  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  can 
be  no  variation,  neither  shadow  that  is  cast  by  turning. 

Ye  know  this,  my  beloved  brethren.  But  let  every 
man  be  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  slow  to  wrath. 

If  any  man  thinketh  himself  to  be  religious,  while  he 
bridleth  not  his  tongue  but  deceiveth  his  heart,  this  man's 
religion  is  vain.  Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  our 
God  and  Father  is  this,  to  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows 
in  their  affliction,  an^  to  keep  oneself  unspotted  from  the 
world* 

James  1 :2-8,  12,  17,  19,  26,  27 

O  Lord,  succor,  we  beseech  Thee,  us  who  are  tempted. 
May  nothing  induce  us  to  distrust  Thy  care  over  us,  nor 
to  use  Thy  gifts  to  the  denial  of  Thee,  their  Giver.  May 
we  never  presume  upon  Thy  protection  when  we  are  for- 
saking Thy  paths,  and  tempting  Thee.  May  we  never, 
for  the  sake  of  any  supposed  gain  or  advancement, 
quench  the  testimony  of  Thy  Spirit,  or  prove  disloyal  to 
Thy  service.     Do  Thou  so  support  us  in  all  temptations 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  341 

that,  when  we  have  been  tried,  vre  may  receive  the  crown 
of  hfe,  which  Thou  hast  prepared  for  them  that  love 
Thee. — Amen. 

Henri/  Alford  (1810-1871) 


193 

IRe0pect  of  Pet0on0 

rftU  Y  brethren,  hold  not  the  faith  of  the  Lord  of  glory, 
^^  with  respect  of  persons.  For  if  there  come  into 
3^our  synagogue  a  man  with  a  gold  ring,  in  fine  clothing, 
and  there  come  in  also  a  poor  man  in  vile  clothing;  and 
3^e  have  regard  to  him  that  weareth  the  fine  clothing,  and 
say.  Sit  thou  here  in  a  good  place ;  and  ye  say  to  the  poor 
man,  Stand  thou  there,  or  sit  under  my  footstool;  do  ye 
not  make  distinctions  among  ^^ourselves,  and  become 
judges  with  evil  thoughts?  Hearken,  my  beloved  breth- 
ren ;  did  not  God  choose  them  that  are  poor  as  to  the 
world  to  he  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom  which 
he  promised  to  them  that  love  him?  But  ye  have  dishon- 
ored the  poor  man.  Do  not  the  rich  oppress  you,  and 
themselves  drag  you  before  the  judgment-seats?  Do  not 
they  blaspheme  the  honorable  name  by  which  ye  are  called? 
Howbeit  if  ye  fulfil  the  royal  law,  according  to  the  scrip- 
ture. Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighJ^or  as  thyself,  ye  do 
well:  but  if  ye  have  respeot  of  persons,  ye  commit  sin, 
being  convicted  by  the  law  as  transgressors.  For  who- 
soever shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  yet  stumble  in  one 
point,  he  is  become  guilty  of  all. 

So  speak  ye,  and  so  do,  as  men  that  are  to  be  judged 


342  Morning  Readings 

by  a  law  of  liberty.  For  judgment  is  without  mercy  to 
him  that  hath  showed  no  mercy:  mercy  glorieth  against 
judgment. 

James  2 :1-10,  12,  13 

0  Lord,  shew  forth  Thy  loving-kindness,  we  entreat 
Thee,  to  all  persons  who  in  this  world  feel  themselves 
neglected,  or  little  loved,  or  forgotten.  Be  Thou  their 
beloved  Companion,  and  let  communion  with  Thee  be  to 
them  more  dear  than  tenderest  earthly  intercourse. 
Teach  them  to  discern  Thee  in  all  with  whom  they  come 
in  contact,  and  to  love  and  serve  Thee  in  them.  On  earth 
grant  them  comfort  by  the  repentance  of  any  who  have 
wronged  them,  and  in  heaven  comfort  in  the  communion 
of  all  saints  with  each  other  and  with  Thee. — Amen. 

Christina  G.  Rossetti  (1830-1894) 

194 

Cfte  COi0Dom  from  afialie 

3  DO  not  want  many  of  you,  my  Brothers,  to  become 
teachers,  knowing,  as  you  do,  that  we  who  teach 
shall  be  judged  by  a  more  severe  standard  than  others. 
We  often  make  mistakes,  every  one  of  us.  Any  one  who 
does  not  make  mistakes  when  speaking  is  indeed  a  per- 
fect man,  able  to  bridle  his  whole  body  as  well.  When 
we  put  bits  into  horses'  mouths,  to  make  them  obey  us, 
we  control  the  rest  of  their  bodies  also.  Again,  think 
of  ships.  Large  as  they  are,  and  even  when  driven  by 
fierce  winds,  they  are  controlled  by  a  very  small  rudder 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  343 

and  steered  in  whatever  direction  the  man  at  the  helm 
may  determine.  So  is  it  with  the  tongue.  Small  as  it 
is,  it  is  a  great  boaster.  Think  how  tiny  a  spark  may 
set  the  largest  forest  ablaze!  And  the  tongue  is  like  a 
spark.  Among  the  members  of  our  body  it  proves  itself 
a  very  world  of  mischief ;  it  contaminates  the  whole  body ; 
it  sets  the  wheels  of  life  on  fire,  and  is  itself  set  on  fire 
by  the  flames  of  the  Pit.  For  while  all  sorts  of  beasts 
and  birds,  and  of  reptiles  and  creatures  in  the  sea,  are 
tameable,  and  actually  have  been  tamed  by  man,  no  hu- 
man being  can  tame  the  tongue.  It  is  a  restless  plague ! 
It  is  charged  with  deadly  poison !  With  it  we  bless  our 
Lord  and  Father,  and  with  it  we  curse  men  who  are  made 
in  God's  likeness.  From  the  very  same  mouth  come  bless- 
ings and  curses  [  My  Brothers,  it  is  not  right  that  this 
should  be  so.  Does  a  spring  give  both  good  and  bad 
water  from  the  same  source?  Can  a  fig  tree,  my  Broth- 
ers, bear  olives?  or  a  vine  bear  figs?  No,  nor  can  a 
brackish  well  give  good  water. 

Who  among  you  claims  to  be  wise  and  intelligent? 
Let  him  show  that  his  actions  are  the  outcome  of  a  good 
life  lived  in  the  humility  of  true  wisdom.  But,  while 
you  harbor  envy  and  bitterness  and  a  spirit  of  rivalry 
in  your  hearts,  do  not  boast  or  lie  to  the  detriment  of 
the  Truth.  That  is  not  the  wisdom  which  comes  from 
above;  no,  it  is  earthly,  animal,  devilish.  For,  where 
envy  and  rivalry  exist,  there  you  will  also  find  disorder 
and  all  kinds  of  base  actions.  But  the  wisdom  from 
above  is,  before  everything  else,  pure;  then  peace-loving, 
gentle,  open  to  conviction,  rich  in  compassion  and  good 
deeds,   and   free   from  partiality    and   insincerity.     And 


344  Morning  Readings 

righteousness,  its  fruit,  is  sown  in  -^eace  by  those  who 
work  for  peace.* 

James  3:1-18 

O  God,  perfect  us  in  love,  that  we  may  conquer  all 
selfishness  and  hatred  of  others ;  fill  our  hearts  with  Thy 
joy,  and  shed  abroad  in  them  Thy  peace  which  passeth 
understanding;  that  so  those  murmurings  and  disputings 
to  which  we  are  too  prone  may  be  overcome.  Make  us 
long-suffering  and  gentle,  and  thus  subdue  our  hastiness 
and  angry  tempers,  and  grant  that  we  may  bring  forth 
the  blessed  fruits  of  the  Spirit,  to  Thy  praise  and  glory. 
— ^Amen. 

Henry  Alford  (1810-1871) 

195 

jFtom  tfie  Letter  of  ^u  ^mt 

^T!n|EAR  friends,  I  urge  you,  as  pilgrims  and  strangers 
^^upon  earth,  to  refrain  from  indulging  the  cravings 
of  your  earthly  nature,  for  they  make  war  upon  the  soul. 
Let  your  daily  life  among  the  Gentiles  be  so  upright,  that, 
whenever  they  malign  you  as  evil-doers,  they  may  learn, 
as  they  watch,  from  the  uprightness  of  your  conduct,  to 
praise  God  at  the  time  when  he  shall  visit  them. 

Submit  to  all  human  institutions  for  the  Lord's  sake, 
alike  to  the  emperor  as  the  supreme  authority,  and  to 
governors  as  the  men  sent  by  him  to  punish  evil-doers 
and  to  commend  those  who  do  right.     For  God's  will  is 

*  From  the  Twentieth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by 
Fleming  H.  Revell  Co. 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  345 


this — that  you  should  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish 
people  by  doing  what  is  right.  Act  as  free  men,  yet  not 
using  your  freedom  as  those  do  who  make  it  a  cloak  for 
wickedness,  but  as  Servants  of  God.  Show  honour  to 
every  one.  Love  the  Brotherhood,  revere  God,  honour 
the  emperor. 

Those  of  you  who  are  domestic  servants  should  always 
be  submissive  and  respectful  to  their  masters,  not  only 
to  those  who  are  good  and  considerate,  but  also  to  those 
who  are  arbitrary.  For  this  wins  God's  approval  when, 
because  conscious  of  God's  presence,  a  man  who  is  suf- 
fering unjustly  bears  his  troubles  patiently.  What 
credit  can  you  claim  when,  after  doing  wrong,  you  take 
your  punishment  for  it  patiently?  But,  on  the  other 
hand,  if,  after  doing  right,  you  take  your  sufferings  pa- 
tiently, that  does  win  the  approval  of  God.* 

I  Peter  ^:ll-m 

We  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  to  renew  Thy  people  in- 
wardly and  outwardly,  that  as  thou  wouldest  not  have 
them  to  be  hindered  by  bodily  pleasures.  Thou  mayest 
make  them  vigorous  with  spiritual  purpose;  and  refresh 
them  in  such  sort  by  things  transitory,  that  Thou  mayest 
grant  them  rather  to  cleave  to  things  eternal. — Amen. 

Leonine  (A.  D.  440) 

*From  the  Twent'iPth  Century  New  Testament,  Copyright,  1904,  by 
Fleming  H.  Revell  Co. 


346  Morning  Readings 

196 

buffering  for  Wsbuomm^^'  §)ake 

^ipriNALLY,  he  ye  all  likeminded,  compassionate,  lov- 
,Jf  ing  as  brethren,  tenderhearted,  humbleminded :  not 
rendering  evil  for  evil,  or  reviling  for  reviling;  but  con- 
trariwise blessing;  for  hereunto  were  ye  called,  that  ye 
should  inherit  a  blessing.     For, 

He  that  would  love  life, 

And  see  good  days. 

Let  him  refrain  his  tongue  from  evil, 

And  his  lips  that  they  speak  no  guile : 

And  let  him  turn  away  from  evil,  and  do  good ; 

Let  him  seek  peace,  and  pursue  it. 

For  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the  righteous, 

And  his  ears  unto  their  supplication: 

But  the  face  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  that  do  evil. 
And  who  is  he  that  will  harm  you,  if  ye  be  zealous  of 
that  which  is  good?  But  even  if  ye  should  suffer  for 
righteousness'  sake,  blessed  are  ye:  and  fear  not  their 
fear,  neither  be  troubled.  For  it  is  better,  if  the  will  of 
God  should  so  will,  that  ye  suffer  for  well-doing  than  for 
evil-doing. 

/  Peter  3:8-14,  17 

Keep  us  especially,  0  Heavenly  Father,  from  causeless 
and  excessive  anger,  and  from  all  hatred  and  malice. 
Help  us  to  govern  our  temper,  and  to  put  down  all  un- 
kind feelings.  Let  us  never  say  that  which  we  should 
not  dare  to  do.     Let  none  of  our  thoughts  and  wishes 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  84)7 

towards  others  be  sinful.  May  ours  be  the  charity  that 
thinketh  no  evil,  but  hopeth  all  things  good.  May  we 
never  return  railing  for  railing  and  threatening  for 
threatening.  May  we  honor  all  men,  and  particularly 
the  wise  and  good.  Let  us  not  forbid  or  reproach  or 
condemn  such  as  follow  not  our  way  of  faith  and  wor- 
ship. May  the  law  of  love  rule  in  our  hearts,  sway  our 
tongues,  be  seen  in  our  looks,  and  direct  our  whole  lives. 
— Amen. 

Robert  Aspland  (1840) 

197 

Cbe  Dap  of  tfte  LorD 

Jj^UT  forget  not  this  one  thing,  beloved,  that  one  day 
i*^is  with  the  Lord  as  a  thousand  years,  and  a  thousand 
years  as  one  day.  The  Lord  is  not  slack  concerning  his 
promise,  as  some  count  slackness;  but  is  longsuffering 
to  you-ward,  not  wishing  that  any  should  perish,  but 
that  all  should  come  to  repentance.  But  the  day  of  the 
Lord  will  come  as  a  thief;  in  which  the  heavens  shall 
pass  away  with  a  great  noise,  and  the  elements  shall  be 
dissolved  with  fervent  heat,  and  the  earth  and  the  works 
that  are  therein  shall  be  burned  up.  Seeing  that  these' 
things  are  thus  all  to  be  dissolved,  what  manner  of  per- 
sons ought  ye  to  be  in  all  holy  living  and  godliness,  look- 
ing for  and  earnestly  desiring  the  coming  of  the  day 
of  God,  by  reason  of  which  the  heavens  being  on  fire  shall 
be  dissolved,  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with  fervent 
heat.^     But,  according  to  his  promise,  we  look  for  new 


348  Morning  Readings 


heavens  and  a  new  earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness. 
Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  that  ye  look  for  these  things, 
give  diligence  that  ye  may  be  found  in  peace,  without 
spot  and  blameless  in  his  sight. 

//  Feter  3:8-14 

Thou,  whose  name  is  love,  who  never  tumest  away 
from  the  cry  of  thy  needy  children,  give  ear  to  our  prayer 
this  morning.  Make  this  a  day  of  blessing  to  us,  and 
make  us  a  blessing  to  others.  Keep  all  evil  away  from 
us.  Preserve  us  from  outward  transgression  and  from 
secret  sin.  Help  us  to  control  our  tempers.  May  we 
check  the  first  risings  of  anger  or  suUenness.  If  we 
meet  with  unkindness  or  ill-treatment,  give  us  that  char- 
ity which  suffereth  long  and  beareth  all  things.  Make 
us  kind  and  gentle  toward  all,  loving  even  those  who  love 
us  not.  Let  us  live  this  day  as  if  it  were  to  be  our  last. 
.  .  .  May  we  take  no  step  that  is  not  ordered  by  Thee, 
and  go  nowhere  except  Thou,  Lord,  go  with  us. — Amen. 

Ashton  Oxenden  (1808-1892) 

198 

(Sod  M  Lotoe 

|E  that  saith  he  is  in  the  light  and  hateth  his  brother, 
is  in  the  darkness  even  until  now.  He  that  loveth 
his  brother  abideth  in  the  light,  and  there  is  no  occasion 
of  stumbling  in  him.  But  he  that  hateth  his  brother  is 
in  the  darkness,  and  walketh  in  the  darkness,  and  know- 
eth  not  whither  he  goeth,  because  the  darkness  hath 
blinded  his  eyes. 


Letters  and  Teachmgs  of  the  Apostles  349 

Beloved,  let  us  love  one  another:  for  love  is  of  God; 
and  every  one  that  loveth  is  begotten  of  God,  and  know- 
eth  God.  He  that  loveth  not  knoweth  not  God;  for  God 
is  love.  No  man  hath  beheld  God  at  any  time:  if  we 
love  one  another,  God  abideth  in  us,  and  his  love  is  per- 
fected in  us :  hereby  we  know  that  we  abide  in  him  and  he 
in  us,  because  he  hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit. 

If  a  man  sa}^,  I  love  God,  and  hateth  his  brother,  he 
is  a  liar:  for  he  that  loveth  not  his  brother  whom  he 
hath  seen,  cannot  love  God  whom  he  hath  not  seen.  And 
this  commandment  have  we  from  him,  that  he  who  loveth 
God  love  his  brother  also. 

/  Jo/m  2:9-11 ;  4:7,  8,  12,  13,  20,  21 

O  God,  since  Thou  art  love,  and  he  that  loveth  not 
Thee  and  his  brethren  knoweth  Thee  not  and  abideth  in 
death,  deliver  us  from  injustice,  envy,  hatred,  and  mal- 
ice ;  give  us  grace  to  pardon  all  who  have  offended  us, 
and  to  bear  with  one  another,  even  as  Thou,  Lord,  dost 
bear  with  us,  in  Thy  patience  and  great  loving-kind- 
ness.— Amen. 

Eugene  Bersier  (1831-1899) 

199 

/flJl'ARVEL  not,  brethren,  if  the  world  hateth  you. 
J)  fl-l-We  know  that  we  have  passed  out  of  death  into  life, 
because  we  love  the  brethren.  He  that  loveth  not  abideth 
in  death.     Whosoever  hateth  his  brother  is  a  murderer: 


350  Morning  Readings 


and  ye  know  that  no  murderer  hath  eternal  life  abiding 
in  him.  Hereby  know  we  love,  because  he  laid  down  his 
life  for  us:  and  we  ought  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the 
brethren.  But  whoso  hath  the  world's  goods,  and  be- 
holdeth  his  brother  in  need,  and  shutteth  up  his  compas- 
sion from  him,  how  doth  the  love  of  God  abide  in  him? 
Ml/  little  children,  let  us  not  love  in  word,  neither  with 
the  tongue;  but  in  deed  and  truth.  Hereby  shall  we^ 
know  that  we  are  of  the  truth,  and  shall  assure  our  heart 
before  him:  because  if  our  heart  condemn  us,  God  is 
greater  than  our  heart,  and  knoweth  all  things.  Be- 
loved, if  our  heart  condemn  us  not,  we  have  boldness 
toward  God;  and  whatsoever  we  ask  we  receive  of  him, 
because  we  keep  his  commandments  and  do  the  things  that 
are  pleasing  in  his  sight. 

IJoTm  S:lS-n 

Grant  unto  us,  O  Lord  God,  that  we  may  love  one  an- 
other unfeignedly ;  for  where  love  is,  there  art  Thou ;  and 
he  that  loveth  his  brother  is  bom  of  Thee,  and  dwelleth 
in  Thee,  and  Thou  in  him.  And  where  brethren  do 
glorify  Thee  with  one  accord,  there  dost  Thou  pour  out 
thy  blessing  upon  them.  Love  us  therefore,  O  Lord,  and 
shed  thy  love  into  our  hearts,  that  we  may  love  Thee,  and 
our  brethren  in  Thee,  and  for  Thee,  as  all  children  to 
Thee. — ^Amen. 

Book  of  Christian  Prayers  (1578) 


Letters  and  Teachings  of  the  Apostles  351 

200 

Cfte  iQeto  3[etu0alem 

/WND  I  saw  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth :  for  the  first 
^^heaven  and  the  first  earth  are  passed  away;  and  the 
sea  is  no  more.  And  I  saw  the  holy  city,  new  Jerusa- 
lem, coming  down  out  of  heaven  from  God,  made  ready 
as  a  bride  adorned  for  her  husband.  And  I  heard  a 
great  voice  out  of  the  throne  saying,  Behold,  the  taber- 
nacle of  God  is  with  men,  and  he  shall  dwell  with  them, 
and  they  shall  be  his  peoples,  and  God  himself  shall  be 
with  them,  and  be  their  God :  and  he  shall  wipe  away  every 
tear  from  their  eyes ;  and  death  shall  be  no  more ;  neither 
shall  there  be  mourning,  nor  crying,  nor  pain  any  more: 
the  first  things  are  passed  away.  And  there  shall  be 
night  no  more;  and  they  need  no  light  of  lamp,  neither 
light  of  sun ;  for  the  Lord  God  shall  give  them  light :  and 
they  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

Blessed  are  they  that  wash  their  robes,  that  they  may 
have  the  right  to  come  to  the  tree  of  life,  and  may  enter 
in  by  the  gates  into  the  city. 

Revelations  21  :l-4! ;  22 :5,  14 

O  bright  and  glorious  day,  which  knoweth  no  eve- 
ning, whose  sun  shall  no  more  go  down ;  in  which  we  shall 
hear  the  voice  of  praise,  the  voice  of  joy  and  thanksgiv- 
ing, thy  voice  saying  unto  us:  Enter  into  the  joy  of  thy 
Lord;  enter  into  joy  everlasting,  into  the  house  of  the 
Lord  thy  God,  wherein  are  things  great  and  unsearch- 
able, and  wonderful  things  without  number;  enter  into 


35S  Morning  Readings 

joy  wherein  is  no  sorrow,  but  untroubled  gladness; 
wherein  is  all  manner  of  good,  and  no  manner  of  thing 
that  is  evil ;  where  all  thy  heart's  desire  shall  be  satisfied, 
and  all  thou  fearest  and  hatest  shall  be  far  from  thee; 
where  life  shall  be  calm,  and  glad,  and  thrilling;  wherein 
the  hateful  enemy  shall  not  enter,  nor  any  breath  of 
temptation  shall  come  near  thee. 

O  joy  transcending  all  joys!  when  shall  we  enter  into 
thee  and  behold  our  Lord,  whose  dwelling  is  in  thee ! 

Blessed  are  they  who  have  passed  over  the  great  and 
wide  sea  to  the  eternal  shore,  and  are  now  blessed  in 
their  desired  rest.  Blessed  are  they  who  have  escaped 
from  all  evils,  and  are  secure  of  their  unfading  glory 
in  thee,  thou  kingdom  of  blessedness ! 

Hear  us,  0  Lord,  from  this  great  and  wide  ocean  and 
bring  us  to  the  everlasting  haven,  the  kingdom  of  end- 
less ages,  whereon  rests  the  untroubled  light  and  peace  of 
God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,  where  the  souls  of 
the  saints  are  at  rest,  and  everlasting  joy  is  upon  their 
heads,  and  sorrow  and  sighing  have  fled  away. — Amen. 

St,  Augmtine  (354-430) 


3nbex  of  Sources  of  drapers! 


(Numbers    refer    to    readings.) 


Alexandrian  Liturgy,  87,  121 
Alford,  Rev.  Henry,  (1810-1871), 
Dean  of  Canterbury,  hvmn 
writer,  141,  179,  188,'  192,'  194 
Andrewes,  Bishop  Lancelot, 
(1555-1626),  most  eminent 
preacher    of    17th    century,    97, 

106,  130,    176 

Anselm,  St.,  (1033-1109) _  famous 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  163 

Aquinas,  St.  Thomas,  (1224?- 
1274),  "Prince  of  scholastic 
theologians,"  126 

Arndt,  Rev.  Johann,  (1555-1621), 
German-Lutheran  divine,  36, 
157 

Arnold  Dr.  Thomas,  (1795- 
1842),  Headmaster  of  Rugby, 
78,  134 

Aspland,  Rev.  Robert,  (1782 
1845),  London   clergyman,   196 

Augustine,  St.,  (354-430),  great- 
est of  Latin  fathers,  author  of 
the  "Te  Deum,"  29,  58,  79,  86, 

107,  147,  200 

Basil,  St.,  The  Great,   (329-379), 

illustrious  father  of  the  Greek 

church,  23.  33,  39 
Becon,      Rev.      Thomas,      (1512- 

1567),  preacher  at  Canterbury 

Cathedral,  77,  148 
Beecher,     Henry     Ward,     (1813- 

1887),    famous    Brooklyn 

preacher,  159 
Bersier,     Rev.     Eugene,      (1831- 

1889),  118    143,  198 
Book    of    Common    Prayer,    the 

standard    praver    book    of   the 

English    church,    83,    92,    103, 

162,  189 


Book      of      Christian      Prayers, 

(1578),  199 
Book  of  Hours,   (1865),  25 

Cleanthes,  (About  210  B.  C), 
Stoic  philosopher,  author  of 
"Hymn  to  Zeus,"  one  of  the 
noblest  and  purest  of  Greek 
poems,    120 

Clement,  St,  (First  century), 
Apostolic  father,  second  or 
third  successor  of  St.  Peter,  1 

Collyer,  Rev.  Robert,  (1823- 
1912),  New  York  preacher  and 
writer,  165 

Dawson,  Rev.  George,  (1821- 
1876),  famous  London  preacher 
and  lecturer,  11,  13,  44,  60,  64, 
74  89,  98,  109,  111,  127,  167, 
168,  180,  181,  182 
Dives,  Ludovicus,  (1578),  144 
Dole,  Dr.  Charles  F.  (b.  1^15), 
Boston  clergyman  and  author, 
124 

Eastern  Church,  general  term  in- 
cluding Armenian,  Syriac, 
Abvssinian,  Egyptian  and 
Greek  Churches,  50,  93.  178 

Ellis,  Rev.  Rufus,  (1819-1885), 
17 

Episcopal  Service  Book,  117 

Erasmus,  Desiderius,  (1466- 
1536),  famous  writer  and  re- 
former, 51 

Fenelon,  Archbishop  Francois  de 
la  Mothe,  (1651-1715),  precep- 
tor under  Louis  XIV,  57 

Foote,  Rev.  Henry  Wilder,  (1838- 
1889),  3,  75 


3^ 


354 


Morning  Readings 


Gelasian     Sacramentary,     (494), 

published  by  Thomasius  in  the 

9th  century,  47 
Goulburn's  Family  Prayers^  84 
Greek      Church      (See      Eastern 

Church),  101,  102 
Grey,    Lady    Jane,    (1537-1544), 

ten  days  queen  of  England,  19 

Hale,    Edward     Everett,     (1822- 

1909),    author    and    clergyman, 

chaplain  of  the  United  States 

Senate,  page  31 
Henry,     Rev.     Matthew,     (1662- 

1714),  London  theologian,  138 
How,  Charles,   (1661-1784),  page 

23,  83 
Hunter's       Devotional       Services 

(1895),  compiled  by  Rev.  John 

Hunter     of     Trinity     Church, 

Glasgow,  132 
Hyde,  Dr.  William  De  Witt,  (b. 

1858),    president    of    Bowdoin, 

22,  185 

Jenks,     Rev.     Benjamin      (1646- 

1724),    139 
Jewish    Liturgy,   34,   43,   45,   72, 

110,    161 
Jewish    Prayer    Book,    after   the 

manner  of  the  Ashkenasim  or 

German   Jews,    18,    61,    74,   88, 

94,  112,  175 
Johnson,     Dr.     Samuel,      (1709- 

1784),    foremost   writer   of  his 

time,  page  21,  52,  54,  123,  1S6, 

190 

Kempis,  Thomas  a,  (1379-1471), 
devout  monk,  author  of  famous 
religious  writings,  21,  71,  80, 
114,   115,   135 

Key  of  Heaven,  favorite  Catholic 
prayer  book,  28 

King's  Chapel  Liturgy,  (1785), 
an  American  revision  of  the 
"Book  of  Common  Prayer" 
page  27,  96,  106 


Leighton,  Archbishop  Robert, 
(1611-1684),  a  writer  of  deep 
spirituality,  82 

Leonine  Sacramentary,  (5th  cen- 
tury), 41,  160,  195 

Liturgies  of  King  Edward  VI, 
first  "Book  of  Common 
Prayer,"  prepared  by  Cranmer, 
Ridley,  and  other  English  di- 
vines, 164 

Liturgy  of  St.  Mark,  (175-284?), 
so-called,  the  liturgy  of  the 
early  church  at  Alexandria,  63, 
113 

Mac  Duff,  John  R.,  184 

Mar,  Prayer  of,  from  the  Tal- 
mud, 133 

Martineau,  Dr.  James,  (1805- 
1900),  profound  thinker  and 
writer,  5,  8,  14,  15,  20,  26,  35, 
48,  90,  95,  125,  146,  152,  (156), 
172,    (178),   187 

Melancthon,  Rev.  Philip,  (1497- 
1560),  learned  teacher  and  re- 
former,  76 

Miller,  Rev.  James  Russell, 
1840-1912),  author  and  clergy- 
man, c.   80 

Mozarabic  Liturgy,  (700  A.D.), 
the  national  liturgy  of  the  an- 
cient SpanisK  Church,  44,  99, 
145 

Newman,  Cardinal  John  Henry, 
(1801-1890),  author  of  "Lead 
Kindly  Light,"  9 

Optimist's  Good  Morning,  (1908), 

compiled  by  Miss  Florence  H. 

Perin,  e 
Osgood,     Rev.     Samuel,     (1812- 

1880),   clergyman    and    author, 

46 
Oxenden,     Ashton,      (1808-1892), 

Bishop    of    Montreal,    59,    151, 

197 

Parker,    Rev.    Theodore,    (1810- 


Index  of  Sources  of  Prayers 


355 


I860),  famous  Boston  preacher, 
2,  12,  24,  31  62,  68,  129,  140, 
171 

Pascal,  Blaise,  (1623-1662), 
French  philosopher  and  reli- 
gious writer,  85 

Plato,  (427-347  B.C.),  Athenian 
philosopher,  187 

Pusev  Rev.  Edward  Bouverie, 
(1800-1882),  English  teacher 
and  divine,  169 

Reinhard,    Rev.    V.    R.,     (1753- 

1812),  183 
Rab    of    Sura,    (100-500?    A.D.), 

73 
Ritter,  Melchior,  (1689),  92 
Roman  Breviary,  27 
Rossetti,       Christina       Georgina, 

(1830-1894),  poetess,  10,  16,  30, 

100,  150,  173,  191,  193 

Sarum  Breviary,  (1085),  form 
used  by  Sarum  or  Salisbury 
Cathedral,  32,  42 

Simplicius,  (Fifth  Century), 
pope,  131 

Socrates,  (469P-399  B.C.),  Athen- 
ian philosopher  and  teacher, 
137 

Spurgeon,  Charles  H.,  (1834- 
1892),  famous  London  preach- 
er, 104 


Stebbins,  Rev.  Horatio,  (1864- 
1902)  San  Francisco  preacher, 
116,  119,  158 

Stevenson,  Robert  Louis,  (1850- 
1894),  writer,  page  31,  38,  56 

Syrian  Clementine,  (400),  an  ori- 
ental liturgy  recast  into  the.  St. 
James,  49 

Talmud,  (100-500?  A.  D.),  a  re- 
ligious book  of  Jewish  origin, 
73,   133 

Taylor,  Bishop  Jeremy,  (1613- 
1667),  Chaplain  to  Charles  I; 
sometimes  called  the  "Shakes- 
peare of  religious  literature," 
7,  55,  108,  128,  166,  186 

Tersteegen,  Gerhard,  (1697- 
1769),  poet  of  the  "mystical 
school,"   69,   70,   155 

Theologus,  St.  Gregory,  of  Nazi- 
anzus,  (329-389),  one  of  the 
great  fathers  of  the  Eastern 
Church,    174 

Treasury  of  Devotion  (1869), 
compiled  by  a  priest  whose 
name  is  withheld,  153,  154 

Weiss,    Rev.    S.,    (1738-1805),    68 

Williams,   Rev.    Rowland,    (1817- 

1870),    Anglican    divine,    4,    6, 

37,  53,  66,  122,  149,  180 

Wisdom,  Book  of,  (100  A.D.),  65 


Date  Due 

1 

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f) 

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